Decoding prescriptions: A closer look at common errors in clinical practice across community pharmacies of Northern Cyprus

Syed Sikandar Shah; Aftab Alam; Ashfaq Ahmad Shah Bukhari; Jamil Ahmed; Johana Haindongo

doi:10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.4.REG.14103.1

Author(s)

Syed Sikandar Shah Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University,Ras Al Khaimah, UAE,

Aftab Alam Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University,Ras Al Khaimah, UAE,

Ashfaq Ahmad Shah Bukhari Department of Physiology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University,Ras Al Khaimah, UAE,

Jamil Ahmed Department of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, RAK College of Nursing, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University,Ras Al Khaimah, UAE,

Johana Haindongo Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, European University of Lefke,Lefke,Northern Cyprus

Abstract

Prescription documentation is essential for patient safety and medication efficacy. However, incomplete or illegible prescriptions can lead to errors, including drug-drug interactions (DDIs). This study evaluated the completeness, clarity and quality of handwritten and electronic prescriptions from community pharmacies in Northern Cyprus, assessing compliance with WHO guidelines. A total of 5,246 prescriptions from 23 pharmacies were analyzed over nine months, with 4,856 meeting inclusion criteria. Of these, 77% were handwritten and 23% electronic. Illegibility was an issue in 23.1% of handwritten prescriptions, increasing the risk of errors. Generic drug names were included in only 11.42% of handwritten and 26.95% of electronic prescriptions, reducing clarity. Potential DDIs were identified in 52.2% of cases, particularly involving anticoagulants and NSAIDs. Additionally, 3.9% of prescriptions showed evidence of DDIs. Antibiotics (28.03%) and analgesics (22.66%) were the most prescribed medications. While electronic prescriptions improved legibility, both formats lacked essential details. The study highlights the need for improved prescription practices, advocating for mandatory electronic prescribing, enhanced prescriber education and clinical decision support systems to reduce errors, improve patient safety and enhance prescription quality in community pharmacies.

Publication Details

Page(s) 1195-1202

DOI 10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.4.REG.14103.1

Published Journal: Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume: 38, Issue: 4, Year: 2025

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Keywords

Medication errors, prescription errors, rational prescribing, community pharmacies, prescription audit

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