What are three things to think about when changing medication doses? Be kind, be bold and be clever!

When increasing a prescription dose, for example, changing candesartan from 8 mg to 16 mg, take a moment to ask yourself: “Can the increase be administered as a single 16 mg pill, or does the patient need access to multiple smaller doses, to adjust it if needed?”

TIP:

Be kind!  Reducing the total number of pills taken by patients can make it easier for them to take their medications and reduce errors and costs.

TIP:

Be bold!  If changing a medication after a long period on a stable dose, consider adding “DOSE INCREASE” or “DOSE DECREASE” in the comments section so the pharmacist doesn’t miss the change.

TRICK:

Be clever!  Most EMRs have the ability to make macros which are abbreviated words that when clicked on will turn into a longer word or phrase.

As an example, you could type “dd” to turn into “DOSE DECREASE” and “di” to turn into “DOSE INCREASE”.  Save yourself time and reduce medication errors!

“Not sure how to build macros? Contact the Practice Support Program for help!”

 

Stay tuned for more tips in the Victoria Division’s new Pharmacy Tips & Tricks series, created with input from pharmacists and physician leads.