What should be done first if a medication error is detected?

When a medication error is detected, the first step is to document the error. This documentation is crucial for several reasons. It establishes a clear record of what occurred, including details about the medication involved, the nature of the error, and any potential impact on patient safety. Accurate documentation can facilitate further investigation and help identify patterns that may indicate systemic issues within the medication management process.

Moreover, documenting the error promptly ensures that all relevant information is captured while it is still fresh in the minds of those involved, which can be critical for understanding the factors that contributed to the error. This practice not only aids in improving future practices but also plays a role in legal and regulatory compliance.

Following this, other actions, such as notifying the patient, consulting with other pharmacists, or reporting to authorities, can take place. However, those should come after ensuring that a comprehensive record of the error has been made.