2015 Volume 41 Issue 10 Pages 722-731
Currently, there are several problems associated with the dispensation of pharmaceuticals. Among these, issues related to dispensing techniques when splitting tablets in half or misreading orders for half tablets are reported“. Splitting tablets in half” possesses elements of risk leading to dispensing error in various aspects of the dispensing process. A small group discussion (SGD) using the KJ method was held to identify issues related to dispensing half tablets, and to develop appropriate medical safety training measures for pharmacists working at chain drug retailers. The discussion revealed several factors affecting the dispensation of half tablets, such as “incorrect assumption about prescription,” “dispensing technique was insufficient,” “dosage/administration was not checked,” and “miscalculation.”
Based on the discussion, precautionary measures were established and put into practice for a certain period. A survey among the participants to evaluate the effects of the workshop revealed that the participants were more conscious of the issues after the SGD. In addition, an evaluation of the measures discussed in the SGD was performed 1.5 years after the workshop. These evaluations showed that the measures discussed were still being followed at many pharmacies. Therefore, we suggest that medical safety training workshops be conducted for pharmacists working at chain drug retailers.
