01 | 25 | 2008 Posted By Regan Zambri & Long

Pharmacy Drive-Through Windows May Offer Convenience at the Expense of Safety

A study examining pharmacists' perceptions of drug dispensing errors and their abilities to communicate critical medication information at drive-through windows indicates that many worry about the safety of window service.  This new study was conducted by researchers at Ohio State University and published in the International Journal for Quality in Health Care.

The research indicates that most pharmacists who work in a location with a drive-through window believe that the window service contributes to dangerous distractions in the pharmacy, and that overall, the windows tend to contribute to errors related to the dispensing of medications.  Many also believe that window service contributes to errors related to the communication of drug information to patients, and that it actually hinders, rather than improves, efficiency.

Researchers studied 429 U.S. pharmacists employed at mass merchant retailers, traditional chain drugstores, and independently owned pharmacies.  Pharmacists were questioned regarding the impact a drive-through window has on workflow, patient communication, and prescription processing time, among other considerations.  Research data revealed that most pharmacists express concerns that drive-through windows jeopardize the quality and safety of pharmacy service -- particularly by making unreasonable multi-tasking demands on professionals who should communicate with patients, rather than simply distribute medications.

The study also suggests that automated dispensing systems are likely to prevent medication errors in pharmacies with drive-through service, and that the machines could also increase efficiency.  Authors of the study encourage patients to carefully review their prescription medications before taking them -- particularly if they rely on the services of a drive-through pharmacy window.

Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

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