<p><a href="https://www.ncpdp.org/">NCPDP</a>, the not-for-profit pharmacy standards development organization, recently announced the availability of a patient safety white <a href="http://ncpdp.org/Education/Whitepaper">paper</a> that provides specific industry guidance for standardizing the dosing designations and labeling of oral liquid medications. The white paper details patient risks associated with the variety of oral liquid dosing designations, prescribing practices and processing systems which can lead to dispensing and later administration errors that can harm patients–especially pediatric patients who are often prescribed liquid medications. </p>
<p>NCPDP’s white paper provides best practice guidance on prescription orders, prescription labeling and administration of oral liquid medications. The recommendations are consistent with best practice requirements by The Joint Commission for certification across acute care inpatient settings, as well as the Food and Drug Administration and industry recommendations for over-the-counter medicines. The white paper also covers the provision and use of appropriate dosing devices, as well as recommendations for caregiver and patient education to facilitate proper administration of oral liquid medications. <br />
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The white paper includes specific calls-to-action for industry stakeholders, but broadly calls organizations to communicate, adopt and implement the recommendations; measure organization performance and stress accountability across the organization for adhering to the recommendations; and develop patient-centered communications and encourage pharmacist-to-patient conversations at the point of dispensing.</p>
