Key Terms
Pharmacist Recovery Network (PRN)
An organization that helps pharmacists seek treatment for impairment without losing their license.
REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy)
An FDA-required safety program to monitor high-risk medications.
Tall man lettering
Using capital letters in parts of drug names to distinguish look-alike or sound-alike medications
Drug tolerance
When the body adapts to a drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.
Incorrect assumption error
When staff assume information instead of verifying it.
Physical dependence
When the body adapts to a drug and withdrawal symptoms occur if it is stopped.
Root-cause analysis
A systematic process used to determine the underlying cause of an error to prevent it from happening again
Technical failure
An error caused by equipment malfunction
Extra dose error
When a patient receives more doses than were prescribed.
iPLEDGE program
A required risk management program for isotretinoin to prevent birth defects.
Psychological dependence
When a person feels they need a drug for emotional well-being.
Rushed error
An error caused by working too quickly and failing to properly check information.
Wrong amount error
When a dose is more than 5% above or below the correct amount.
Fear error
An error that occurs when a technician is afraid to question or clarify a prescription.
MedGuide
FDA-provided printed information explaining side effects and risks of certain medications
REACT
An acronym outlining steps to follow during a pharmacy robbery
Selection error
Choosing the wrong option when multiple similar choices are available.
VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System)
A system that collects reports of adverse events after vaccination.
Human failure
An error caused by an individual’s mistake
Medication education error
When proper counseling or educational materials are not given to the patient.
Right of refusal
A pharmacist’s legal ability to refuse to fill a prescription for valid reasons.
SPEAK UP
A safety initiative encouraging patients to ask questions and be involved in their care.
VERP (Vaccine Error Reporting Program)
– A program that allows healthcare professionals to report vaccine errors.
Incomplete information error
When important patient information is missing or not properly recorded.
Medication error
Any preventable mistake that may cause inappropriate medication use or harm.