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How can distractions in the office impact medication errors?

On Behalf of | Jul 15, 2023 | Medical Malpractice

As you talk to your doctor about a medical issue, several realizations may come into your mind. The amount of times this professional stops talking to you in order to pay attention to another issue or looks away while writing could leave you with an incorrect prescription.

Learning about how distractions impact this medication error is important.

Writing the wrong name or length of time

According to the National Library of Medicine, a distracted doctor may not check the name they write on the prescription or could fail to write the correct length of time you need to take the prescription. When they are more focused on something else, they can even misspell the name of the drug you need.

This lack of attention to detail is dangerous for people who take prescriptions and rely on doctors for accurate information.

Ignoring your medical history

When a doctor does not pay attention, they can fail to prevent giving you drugs that could lead to health complications with your other prescriptions. When you take both of these prescriptions at the same time, you may then notice serious physical problems in the short term or long term.

Failing to give you the correct instructions

If a doctor who is not fully attentive talks to you, they may not tell you how to use the prescription or special steps to prevent health complications. This particular discussion should include instructions like whether you need to take your medicine with food or not.

If you are suffering from medical complications after a wrong prescription, distractions during the visit may play a part in that issue.

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