Independent Double Check

Independent Double Check

  • Definition: An independent double check is a method where a second practitioner performs a verification of work done by the first practitioner.
  • Key Features:
    • Verification may occur with or without the presence of the first practitioner.
    • It is crucial to maintain the independence of the double check to avoid bias.
    • The first practitioner should not communicate their expectations to the second practitioner, as this could create bias and potentially hide errors.
  • Source: Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada © January 2005. Adapted from: Institute for Safe Medication Practices (US) – "The Virtues of Independent Double Checks – They Really Are Worth Your Time!" ISMP Safety Alert. 2003 March 6;8(5):1.

NAPRA Competency

  • Competency 3.4: Verify the technical aspects of the prescription to ensure the accuracy and quality of products.
    • 3.4.1 Identify when an independent double check should be performed.
    • 3.4.2 Check the product and its prescription label against the prescription using a systematic approach.

The 5 Rights of Medication Administration

  • Right Patient
  • Right Drug
  • Right Dosage Form/Route
  • Right Dose
  • Right Prescriber

Pharmacy Technician Scope of Practice

  • Responsibilities of Pharmacy Technicians:
    • Review all prescriptions ensuring adherence to standards.
    • Engaged individuals mentioned: Alexis, Ella, Sienna, Chie, Logan, Eva, Ben, Mason, Jayden, Charlie, Elijah, Zoe, Daniel, Ivy C, Noah, Joshua, Luke, Harrison, Oscar, Zara, Lachlan, Scarlett, Patrick.
  • Elements Checked by Pharmacy Technicians:
    • Patient Safety & Well-Being: Ensuring the safety of patients is paramount.
    • Routes of Administration:
    • Intravenous
    • Intramuscular
    • Subcutaneous
    • Local effect
    • Rapid
    • Targeted
    • Topical
    • Inhalation

Prescription Release Policies

  • Pharmacist Responsibility:
    • A prescription cannot be released to the patient until the pharmacist has verified the therapeutic appropriateness of the prescription.
    • This policy applies to all prescriptions, including both new and repeat prescriptions.

Technical Check Responsibilities

  • Accountability of Technicians:
    • Pharmacy technicians are responsible for verifying the technical aspects of both new and refill prescriptions.
    • Checks include ensuring correctness in the following areas:
    • Patient
    • Drug
    • Dosage form/route
    • Dose
    • Doctor
  • Reference: Ontario College of Pharmacists (2019). Understanding what a pharmacy technician can do retrieved from https://www.ocpinfo.com/practice-education/practice-tools/support-materials/technician-role/?hilite=%27scope%27%2C%27practice%27%2C%27pharmacy%27%2C%27technician%27

Independent Double Check (IDC) Checklist

  • Steps in the IDC Process:
    • Compare the Prescription to the Product: Select all applicable errors, including:
    • Drug
    • Strength
    • Dosage form
    • DIN (Drug Identification Number)
    • Quantity dispensed
    • Packaging
    • No Errors: If the product is correct
    • Compare the Prescription to the Hardcopy/Label: Select all applicable errors, including:
    • Patient name
    • Doctor name
    • Drug
    • Strength
    • Dosage form
    • Quantity
    • Directions
    • Refills
    • No Errors: If the hardcopy/label is correct