Analysis Of Medication Errors In The Prescribing Phase For Outpatients At Clinic X

Abstract

Introduction: Prescribing errors are a form of medication error that is still frequently found in various healthcare facilities and has the potential to impact patient safety. Errors in the prescribing phase can include incomplete administrative, legal, or pharmaceutical information in the prescription.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the occurrence of prescribing errors in outpatient prescriptions at Clinic X.

Method:  This study used a quantitative descriptive method with a retrospective observational study approach. The sample consisted of 353 outpatient prescriptions from November–December 2025, selected using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed descriptively and presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results:  The results showed that 351 prescriptions (99.43%) had prescribing errors. The highest discrepancies were found in patient gender (88%), physician's SIP (72%), physician's initials (63%), patient's age or date of birth (41%), dosage form (38%), dosage or strength (38%), and prescription legibility (37%). Based on physician category, prescribing errors were found in all dentist prescriptions (100%) and almost all general practitioner prescriptions (99.26%).

Conclusion:   Prescribing errors in outpatient prescriptions at Clinic X remain very high and are dominated by incomplete administrative, clinical, and pharmaceutical components. Routine evaluation of prescription writing quality, increased adherence to prescribing standards, and strengthening the prescription screening process are needed to improve patient safety and the quality of pharmaceutical services.

Keyword:  Medication Error, Prescribing, Prescription, Outpatient