Value added: Solving prescription problems

A pilot study in greater Vancouver documented how pharmacists in five community pharmacies intervene to resolve prescription problems. Of 2,448 new prescriptions reviewed, 109 contained at least one problem, categorized as a prescription deficiency, prescription error, drug interaction, or deficiency in patient understanding. Sixty-one per cent of problems detected were prescription deficiencies. Pharmacists resolved most problems with requests for clarification, changes or additional information. A panel of six judges evaluated all problems for their potential to cause patients harm if left unresolved. Most arose from errors of omission with little potential to cause harm, the judges said. At the time of this study no Canadian data had been published documenting prescription problems and community pharmacist interventions.