Syntax Error: Variations in the Verbiage of Prescription Labels for Pediatric Liquid Medications

Abstract

Background Pharmacists can modify prescriptions from prescribers for clarity and patient understanding, provided the confines of the original order are met, yet the verbiage used by pharmacists is not standardized. Prescription directions for children, especially children eight years old and younger, should be written with the verb "give" instead of "take" as their parents or caregivers are expected to administer them. Errors in prescribing, dispensing, and administering medication comprise a significant portion of preventable medical errors in children. To intervene and assist pharmacies, we must first identify and characterize the problem. This study aimed to determine if there is a relationship between prescribers and pharmacists using the verb "give" or "take" when prescribing and printing prescription labels for pediatric liquid medications. In addition, it aimed to determine if there is a relationship between chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies using the verb "give" or "take" when printing labels for pediatric liquid medications. Methodology The participants in this study were caregivers of children eight years old and younger who had been prescribed a new liquid medication. We recruited prescribers in North Louisiana to serve as a referral base for the study. Caregivers were referred to the study by prescribers. A rubric was created to investigate the text of prescription labels. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the relationship between verb choice and prescribers and pharmacists, as well as the relationship between verb choice and chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies. Results A total of 11 (26.83%) prescriber texts used the verb "give," while 12 (29.27%) prescriber texts used the verb "take." Overall, 18 (43.90%) prescriber texts did not use a verb at all. Of these 18 prescriber texts that did not include a verb, 14 prescription labels used the verb "give," and four used the verb "take." In total, 10 (23.81%) chain pharmacy prescription labels used the verb "give," and 10 (23.81%) chain pharmacy prescription labels used the verb "take." The two-tailed p-value of Fisher's exact test comparing verb choice between prescribers and pharmacists equaled 0.0001. A total of 19 (46.34%) independent pharmacy prescription labels used the verb "give," and two (4.88%) independent pharmacy prescription labels used the verb "take." The two-tailed p-value of Fisher's exact test comparing verb choice between chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies equaled 0.0063. Conclusions The relationship between prescriber texts and pharmacist prescription labels shows a relationship between their verb choice (p = 0.0001). The relationship between chain pharmacy and independent pharmacy prescription labels shows a relationship between their verb choice (p = 0.0063). This study has illuminated how medication orders begin before they are modified, if necessary, for the patient's clarity and understanding. This study can be used to instruct prescribers on writing more accurate prescription instructions to prevent medical errors, and it can help pharmacists recognize potential dangers and prevent them through editing.

Keywords: knowledge among pharmacists; liquid medication; medication injury; pediatrics; prescription writing.

Figure 1. Flowchart describing how a participant entered and completed the study.

EDC: electronic data capture

Figure 2. Histogram displaying the choice of the verb between prescribers and pharmacists.

Figure 3. Histogram displaying the choice of the verb between chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies.