Who should a pharmacist inform if a prescription error occurs?

When a prescription error occurs, it is essential for the pharmacist to inform both the patient and the prescriber. This approach ensures that the patient is aware of the error and can take appropriate action regarding their health and medication. Informing the prescriber is crucial because they need to be aware of the situation to rectify any potential adverse effects on the patient and to avoid similar errors in the future.

By communicating with the patient, the pharmacist provides an opportunity for reactions to the medication to be monitored and managed effectively. It also upholds transparency and fosters trust in the pharmacist-patient relationship. Additionally, by notifying the prescriber, the pharmacist contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the patient's medication history and can prevent the continuation of the error in future prescriptions.

While informing only the patient or only the prescriber might seem to address immediate concerns, it fails to ensure a complete and accurate response to the error. Furthermore, failing to notify a suitable family member or caregiver may be important; however, they should not replace the necessity of informing both the patient and prescriber directly involved in the care process.