Transcription Errors for Informal Caregivers - Training School Podcast

Hello everybody, my name is Hemmanuel, I am a medical student and I am here to talk about the transcription error in medical prescriptions. The aim of this discussion is to expose and reduce this kind of error for informal caregivers at home. First of all, let's begin with a definition of transcription errors. Transcription errors are defined as an discrepancy between the medication order on actual written medication order in any document. In my opinion, as a medicine, there is three main cases in which transcription errors can occur. The first one is the eligibility of the prescription, because the prescription is on the way to Zen. And the second one is the prescription is unclear. It can occur because of the complexity of the prescription or potential of misleading, look alike or send alike. And the third one is the prescription is wrong because it's not the good patient or it's not the good treatment. So for me, it's the three main errors that can occur as medicine. So take care of the prescription. Continuing from my colleague as a pharmacist, my name is Sandra Tempo. So transcription errors do take place with us as well, considering we have to do labors for the medications for the patient. So the transcription errors can take place in the sense of missed information on the labors, maybe missed root of a demonstration or the amount of drugs that the patients are supposed to take. It can also be the wrong information where the medicines and the labors do not match or just and clear in terms of the handwriting used to label the medication. So my colleague Renata will help you as a caregiver on what you can do. Hello, we are Renata and Gordana. We are both nurses and PhD students of social gerontology. And we will tell you what can you do as a caregiver. Even though you are not a doctor or nurse, you are often the last line of defense. A few simple habits can really reduce the risk of transcription errors affecting your loved one. I will check the prescription when you pick up medicine, compare the doctor's notes, the pharmacy label and what is in the package. Ask clear questions. Don't be shy to confirm with the pharmacist or doctor. Keep a medication list. Maintain a simple chart at home with the name, strength and those of each medicine. Limit distractions. When you are handling medicine, try to do it in a calm moment without interruptions so you don't lose the focus.