6 Dispensing a Prescription
Outcome:
Medication is safely, accurately and appropriately dispensed to the correct patient according to name, brand, strength, quantity and formulation with accurate instructions as intended by the prescriber.
Potential Risks:
Inappropriate and/or inaccurate dispensing may lead to individual patient harm and/or harm to the health and safety of the public.
EPA Template
Note: Printable EPA templates are available to students on their course sites.
| Element | Performance Criteria Description |
|---|---|
| Prescription Review | - Prescription is checked for legality, validity and completeness according to all relevant jurisdictional requirements:
- Ensure prescription fulfils PBS requirements (if applicable) |
| Clinical Reasoning | Individualised assessment of the clinical appropriateness and safety of the prescribed medication in the context of the specific patient including the feasibility of use:
- Consider the personal characteristics, preferences, values, beliefs and cultural and linguistic diversity of the individual |
| Clinical Review | Clinical review of prescription for appropriateness:
- Indication |
| Dispensing Procedure | Applies a disciplined and systematic process to dispense prescription:
- Prescription details are accurately entered into the dispensing software |
| Checking Process | Checks are carried out at the appropriate stages dispensing process:
- Final check of dispensed product is performed ensuring the dispensing reflects the intentions of the prescriber - Patient name and address - Product and paperwork are stored appropriately, considering patient privacy, prior to patient collection |
| Handing out | Patient receives correct medication and associated paperwork:
- Confirmation of patient details, using multiple open-ended questions, to ensure correct patient receives dispensed product |
| Collaboration and Agency | - Clarification is sought for any concerns identified and any changes to the prescription are documented appropriately
- Identify and acknowledge any professional or personal limitations and seek support where necessary - Prescription is dispensed in a timely manner |
