ARTICLE
QUESTION: Our agency is considering changing from using standard medication bubble packs to multi-dose packaging for individuals we serve. Would any agencies share their experiences with this transition or with the use of the multi-dose packaging? Our agency has experienced this and there are both good and bad outcomes. On the positive side, all medications are in their individual package and the chances of medication errors are decreased. On the negative side, if there is a medication change, all new packages have to be requested. *** Our agency transitioned to a pharmacy that primarily uses dose packaging, except for controlled substances and a few other medications. A concern we had prior to the transition was how mid-month medication changes would be handled. The pharmacy we utilize has a system where they will repackage mid-month if a change occurs. Our agency will provide a new prescription to them and they will send a new supply to finish the month and pick up the remaining medications of the previously used packages. We would recommend discussing this with a pharmacy prior to transitioning to ensure they will do the medication changes this way. Each multi-dose package we receive from the pharmacy is labeled with each medication name, dosage, pill description so that the contents can be verified. Not all pharmacies do this, we recommend that you clarify with a pharmacy before proceeding. The pharmacy provided initial training for support staff. Our agency is very happy with the multi-dose packaging and the pharmacy used. *** Our agency began a transition to multi-dose packaging, selecting a sample from our Supported Living program with minimal medication changes and no controlled substances. Out of the 27 individuals selected, 4 did not prefer the new packaging system. Positive aspects of the multi-dose packaging include the elimination of medication errors involving single pill omissions or wrong times and the ease of use and time efficiency. Aspects that could improve include some limit to when medication changes can occur and, because individual bubble packs are not signed, gaps in information if you are trying to determine if a medication pass has occurred. Our agency is currently working with the pharmacy to align the delivery dates of the multi-dose packages with the normal cycle fill for blister packs. The multi-dose packages are set up on a 28 day rotation. This information is a compilation of suggestions, ideas, and opinions shared by INARF Members in response to the featured question. This information should not be considered official interpretation or guidance of State or Federal Policy. Additionally, statements within this document do not necessarily reflect an official position or opinion of INARF.
Our agency has experienced this and there are both good and bad outcomes. On the positive side, all medications are in their individual package and the chances of medication errors are decreased. On the negative side, if there is a medication change, all new packages have to be requested.
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Our agency transitioned to a pharmacy that primarily uses dose packaging, except for controlled substances and a few other medications. A concern we had prior to the transition was how mid-month medication changes would be handled. The pharmacy we utilize has a system where they will repackage mid-month if a change occurs. Our agency will provide a new prescription to them and they will send a new supply to finish the month and pick up the remaining medications of the previously used packages. We would recommend discussing this with a pharmacy prior to transitioning to ensure they will do the medication changes this way. Each multi-dose package we receive from the pharmacy is labeled with each medication name, dosage, pill description so that the contents can be verified. Not all pharmacies do this, we recommend that you clarify with a pharmacy before proceeding. The pharmacy provided initial training for support staff. Our agency is very happy with the multi-dose packaging and the pharmacy used.
Our agency began a transition to multi-dose packaging, selecting a sample from our Supported Living program with minimal medication changes and no controlled substances. Out of the 27 individuals selected, 4 did not prefer the new packaging system. Positive aspects of the multi-dose packaging include the elimination of medication errors involving single pill omissions or wrong times and the ease of use and time efficiency. Aspects that could improve include some limit to when medication changes can occur and, because individual bubble packs are not signed, gaps in information if you are trying to determine if a medication pass has occurred. Our agency is currently working with the pharmacy to align the delivery dates of the multi-dose packages with the normal cycle fill for blister packs. The multi-dose packages are set up on a 28 day rotation.