What term is used to describe the process of ensuring that the correct medication is dispensed to the correct patient?

The term used to describe the process of ensuring that the correct medication is dispensed to the correct patient is verification. This is a critical step in the medication dispensing process to maintain patient safety and ensure that patients receive the right drugs at the right dosages. Verification involves checking the prescription details against the medication being dispensed, which includes confirming patient information, dosage, and potential interactions. This process reduces the risk of errors and reinforces the pharmacy's responsibilities in patient care.

In contrast, validation typically refers to confirming that a process, system, or component meets prescribed requirements, while cross-checking is a quality assurance method but may not imply the same level of formalized procedures as verification. Dispensing simply refers to the act of providing medication to a patient, not the comprehensive checking process that ensures accuracy before that act occurs. Thus, verification is the most accurate term for the specific action of ensuring correct medication is dispensed to the correct patient.