Why do we use the seven rights of medication administration?

The seven rights of medication administration are followed to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors.

Medication errors are a serious public health problem, resulting in significant harm to patients each year. The Joint Commission, a non-profit healthcare accreditation organization, has developed the seven rights of medication administration as a way to minimize medication errors.

The seven rights are:

1. Right patient. This means that the medication is given to the intended patient.

2. Right drug. This means that the medication that is given is the one that was prescribed.

3. Right dose. This means that the correct dose of the medication is given.

4. Right route. This means that the medication is given by the prescribed route.

5. Right time. This means that the medication is given at the prescribed time.

6. Right reason. This means that the medication is given for the intended reason.

7. Right documentation. This means that the medication administration is properly documented.

By following the seven rights of medication administration, healthcare professionals can help to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors.