Preparing injectable medicines safely

Beaney, Alison M

Authors Alison M Beaney is regional quality assurance specialist pharmacist for North East England; Anne Black is quality assurance pharmacist; both at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust.

Nursing Times 108(3):p 20, January 17, 2012.

In this article…

How to ensure injectable medicines are prepared safely in a clinical situation
Ways in which pharmacy can support nurses in preparing injectable medicines
Ensuring that policies and procedures are in place

Abstract

Beaney AM, Black A (2012) Preparing injectable medicines safely. Nursing Times; 108: 3, 20-23. Risks to patients are greater when injectable medicines are prepared in clinical areas (wards, theatres, clinics or even patients' homes), rather than provided in ready-to-use form. This article describes the risks involved in preparing injectable medicines in such areas and outlines key principles to ensure they are prepared safely. It also suggests that high-risk injectable medicines be provided in ready-to-use form, either in house, by pharmacy or by pharmaceutical companies.