ACOG Committee Opinion. Safe use of medication. Number 331, April 2006.

Abstract

Medication use errors are the largest single source of preventable adverse events. To minimize the risk of medication use errors, obstetrician-gynecologists should focus on several elements of medication order writing, such as the appropriate use of decimals and zeros, standard abbreviations, and assuring legibility. Additionally, it is important to assist the patient in understanding the medical condition for which a medication is prescribed. Focusing on elements that may prevent prescription errors and helping patients understand how to use prescribed medication properly may help lower the occurrence of medication use errors.