If you notice a medication has been given incorrectly or missed, what is your first action?

The initial action upon discovering that a medication has been given incorrectly or missed is to investigate and report it as an Unusual Incident Report (UIR). This step is essential because it ensures that the situation is formally documented and reviewed according to established healthcare protocols, enabling the organization to assess the nature of the error and implement corrective measures.

Effective handling of medication errors is crucial for client safety and helps maintain accountability within the healthcare team. Investigating the incident allows you to gather all relevant facts about the error, which is important for identifying the underlying causes and preventing future occurrences. Reporting through a UIR also facilitates appropriate reviews and follow-ups by supervisors or relevant personnel, contributing to overall system improvements.

While notifying the client, documenting, or administering the correct medication are important actions, they follow the need to first ensure the incident is formally recognized and reported. This ensures comprehensive attention to the issue and aligns with best practices in medication administration and incident reporting.