CHAPTER TWO:
DISPENSING
DISPENSING SECTION
Receiving Prescription:
During my fieldwork at Round Table Health Center, I was trained on how to
receive and verify prescriptions from various departments, especially OPD
and CTC. I learned to check for the prescriber’s signature, patient details,
date, drug name, dosage, and frequency to ensure the prescription was valid
and complete before proceeding with dispensing.
Patient Profiling:
I was taught to profile patients by confirming their age, weight (especially for
children), medical history, allergies, and concurrent medications. This helped
ensure that the right drug was dispensed to the right patient, especially
those with chronic conditions like hypertension or HIV.
Drug Selection:
I learned how to select appropriate medications from the available stock
based on prescriptions. I also gained knowledge about generic names, brand
names, and how to confirm drug availability from the store. This also
involved checking expiry dates and correct dosage forms before issuing.
Labeling:
I practiced proper labeling techniques including writing the patient’s name,
drug name, dosage, frequency of use, route of administration, and
cautionary advice. This helped to reduce medication errors and enhance
patient understanding.
Counseling – How I Learned to Communicate with Different Types of Patients:
Through observation and supervised practice, I learned how to counsel
patients of different ages and backgrounds. I learned to use simple, clear
language when giving instructions, to be polite and patient, especially with
elderly patients or those with low literacy levels. This improved my
confidence and communication skills.
Challenges Encountered :
Some challenges I faced included prescriptions with illegible handwriting,
which required me to consult with my supervisor or the prescriber. In some
cases, patients refused to take certain medications due to side effects or
cultural beliefs. I learned to handle such cases by involving a qualified
professional for further explanation.
Time Management and Dealing with Patient Load:
At times, the pharmacy unit received a high number of patients, especially
during morning hours. I learned how to manage my time effectively by
prioritizing tasks, staying organized, and working as part of a team to serve
patients efficiently while maintaining accuracy.