What is Point of Care Dispensing?
Dispensing refers to the process of preparing and supplying medicines to a named person together with clear instructions, advice and counselling where required on the use of those medicines. It includes the accurate interpretation of the order for prescribed medicines and the right preparation and labelling of medicines for use by the patient.
The dispensing process involves all activities that take place between the time the prescription/request for medicine is presented/issued, up to the time the medicines, or other prescribed items are issued to the patient.
Point of Care Dispensing enables physicians and clinics to offer patients the option to get their medications directly from the clinic at the time of their visit rather than having to take a separate trip to a pharmacy.
What is Good Dispensing Practice?
Good Dispensing Practice guarantees that the right medicines of coveted quality are delivered accurately to the right patient with the right dose, strength, frequency, dosage form, and quantity. And this is together with clear instructions, both written and verbal, and with proper packaging fit for sustaining the quality and efficacy of the medicine.
Issuing Medicines to the Patient
Here are 10 tips for medical practitioners to make sure they comply with the Good Dispensing Practice and thus ensuring their patients’ safety.
1.Issuing or supplying of medicine in the in office medication dispensing system should only be done by a registered medical practitioner or a pharmacist.
2. When dispensing the medicines, ensure the 5Rs:
- Right Patient
- Right Medicine
- Right Dose
- Right Route
- Right Time
3. Check the name and ID to verify the patient.
4. Inquire about allergies or known adverse drug reactions (ADR).
5. Give precise directions and proper advice on how to take/use the medicines dispensed.
6. Ensure the patient is made aware if there are special requirements during transportation, proper storage conditions and usage requirements for the medicines.
7. Compliance aids (e.g. measuring spoon or syringe) for the appropriate dose should be provided, if required.
8. Every attempt must be made to guarantee that the receiver understands the information/instructions and the directions provided.
9. Advise patients to inform the clinic/pharmacy should they encounter any adverse drug reactions (ADRs) when taking the dispensed medicines.
10. Supply of medicines based on the prescription. The name of the person who dispensed the medicines, the address and the date of supply should be written on the prescription over the doctor’s signature as a form of endorsement.
Most pharmacies have the name, address, and phone number of the pharmacy pre-printed on their prescription labels. In addition, federal and state regulations may dictate that the following data appears on the label:
- prescription (serial) number
- date of original dispensing
- patient’s name
- directions for use
- name and strength of the drug product (or active ingredient(s) in a compounded prescription)
- prescriber’s name
- name of dispensing pharmacist
- date of expiry
DirectRx for your point of care dispensing needs
Whether you are an urgent care clinic, on-site clinic, hospital, work-comp clinic or physician practice, DirectRx is more than willing to meet your needs related to in office medication dispensing system.
We are experts at handling prescription delivery services for a variety of physician dispensing programs. Our in office medication dispensing system is easy to use, thus providing convenience to clinics and doctors.
Get in touch with us to find out how our expertise can serve your medical practice.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
