Key Strategies to Improve Patient Safety in Long-Term Care Pharmacy
Ask anyone in long-term care (LTC) pharmacy, and they’ll tell you the same thing: Patient safety isn’t just important—it’s everything.
LTC pharmacists are on the front lines, making sure medications are dispensed accurately and safely. But even with the best intentions, errors can still happen. Whether because of a data entry mistake, insufficient training, or simply the challenges of managing a busy pharmacy, the potential for errors is always there.
When something as simple as a misplaced label can lead to a patient receiving the wrong drug or dosage, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Add in other patient safety concerns, such as non-adherence and drug-to-drug interactions, and the stakes are even greater.
Fortunately, there are several strategies LTC pharmacists can use to prevent these costly mistakes and keep patients safe.
1. Use Technology to Ensure Accuracy
One of the most effective ways to improve patient safety is to embrace technology. In the world of LTC pharmacy, where precision is key, leaning on workflow automation and advanced software can make all the difference.
A pharmacy management system specifically designed for long-term care, such as FrameworkLTC, automates and streamlines the entire dispensing process, reducing manual data entry and minimizing the risk of errors. Other tools, such as barcode scanning technology, ensure that the right medication is matched with the right patient, significantly cutting down on mistakes and improving overall accuracy.
2. Reduce Pharmacy Staff Burnout
Burnout among pharmacy staff, especially technicians, is a growing concern in the industry. The demanding nature of the job, long hours, and the pressure to keep up with high volumes can take a toll, leading to mistakes that could have been avoided. That’s where pharmacy automation comes in again.
By taking over routine tasks such as dispensing and managing inventory, technology allows pharmacy staff to focus on what really matters: caring for patients. Additionally, real-time data dashboards help managers allocate resources more effectively, reducing the risk of burnout and ensuring the team can work efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Improve Collaboration with Prescribers
Effective communication and collaboration between pharmacists, prescribers, and care facilities is crucial for safe medication management. Regular medication regimen reviews (MRRs) and consulting pharmacist evaluations help identify potential drug interactions, duplications, or other issues that could jeopardize patient safety.
The FrameworkLTC Integrated Solution Set makes patient and medication updates available in close-to-real time, keeping everyone on the same page as things change. Secure messaging through FrameworkVision and Mediprocity further enhances collaboration, ensuring everyone is informed and aligned at all times.
4. Offer Patient Adherence Packaging
In long-term care settings—where patients often have complex, polypharmacy medication regimens—adherence is directly linked to outcomes. Missed doses or incorrect administration can have serious consequences, including increased hospitalizations and declining health.
That’s why patient adherence packaging, or compliance packaging, is so important. With FrameworkLTC, pharmacists can customize packaging to meet individual patient needs—whether it’s blister packs or strip packs—helping to ensure that all medications are taken correctly and on time.
5. Utilize the Medi-Span Drug Database
Another key strategy for improving patient safety is using the Medi-Span drug database. This powerful tool helps pharmacists monitor for hazardous drugs, check for potential drug interactions, and flag medications with Black Box Warnings.
By integrating Medi-Span into pharmacy workflows using FrameworkLTC, FrameworkVision, and/or FrameworkRxP, pharmacists can automatically screen prescriptions and catch potential issues before they affect patients.
6. Invest in Ongoing Staff Training
Ongoing training is essential to maintaining high standards of patient safety in LTC pharmacies. Regular training sessions ensure staff are up to date on the latest industry best practices and fully understand how to use the pharmacy’s software.
For example, FrameworkAcademy and the FrameworkLTC Training Center provide valuable resources to help staff learn and stay informed, reducing the risk of errors and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Prioritizing Patient Safety with FrameworkLTC
In long-term care pharmacy, patient safety isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. The strategies outlined here provide practical ways to minimize risks and improve outcomes. By leveraging technology, fostering collaboration, and investing in staff training, LTC pharmacies can ensure they’re providing the safest, most effective care possible.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a demo of FrameworkLTC today to get started.
