What should a pharmacy technician do if they suspect a medication error has occurred?

When a pharmacy technician suspects a medication error has occurred, notifying the prescriber is the appropriate action. This is crucial because the prescriber is responsible for the patient's care and needs to be informed about any potential mistakes to determine the best course of action. The prescriber may need to reassess the situation, provide guidance on how to manage the error, and, if necessary, intervene to prevent harm to the patient.

Taking immediate action by alerting the prescriber is vital for patient safety, as it allows for timely correction and ensures that the patient receives the correct medication or dosage. It also facilitates communication among healthcare professionals, which is essential in maintaining a high standard of care and reducing the risks associated with medication errors.

While documentation of the error and consulting with the patient are also important steps that contribute to the overall process of addressing the error, the first line of action should focus on ensuring that the prescriber is aware of the situation to protect patient health.