Sections:
Human Factors and Confirmation Bias, Readability of Labels and Packages, Sidebar: ISMP Recommended Hierarchy of Information on Front Panel (Principal Display) of U.S. Prescription Drug Labels, Uses of Color, Problems with Uses of Color, Two-Sided Labeling, Contrast, Expressions of Concentration and Strength, Labeling of Blister Strips, Company Name, Logo, and Corporate Dress, Symbols, Standardization of Terminology, Label Reminders and Warnings, Typeface, Expressing Product Expiration Dates, Use of Unsafe Abbreviations and Dose Designations, Bar Codes, Container Design, Protective Overwraps, External Carton Labels, Promotional Items and Advertisements, Brand Name Extensions for Nonprescription Drugs, Drug Shortages, International Efforts, Prospective Analysis to Prevent Labeling and Packaging Problems, Conclusion, References.
Topics Discussed:drug labeling; drug packaging; medication errors.
Excerpt: The Role of Drug Packaging and Labeling in Medication Errors: Introduction
Both consumers and health care practitioners use product packaging and labeling to select the correct medication and dose. Health care professionals are taught to read labels at least three times: when obtaining a drug package, when using it, and when returning it to stock or discarding an empty package. Most claim to do this routinely, but there is much evidence to the contrary. Although proper training and increased vigilance are undeniably important, attention to
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