As the NCAA March Madness tournament reaches the Final Four, success comes down to execution and minimizing errors. The same is true in long-term care.
Safe medication administration is less about volume and more about consistency, reliability, and strong processes. In the list below, we highlight the "Final Four" core practices that most directly impact medication safety, staff performance, and resident outcomes in LTC.
Because every pass must be perfect for patient care!
SALA drugs like metoprolol vs. metoclopramide or Zyrtec vs. Zyprexa can be mistaken for one another. SpecialtyRx uses Tall Man lettering (e.g., hydrOXYzine vs. hydrALAzine) to help provide visible clarity.
Remember to verify both name and purpose before administration.
Click here to review the updated ISMP SALA list.
Right resident, right medication, right dose, right route, right time—no shortcuts. In long-term care, distractions are common, so pause and focus before each administration to avoid turnovers.
Charting in real time prevents double-dosing or missed doses. Delayed documentation can lead to confusion during shift changes or when multiple staff members are involved in care.
When a medication is started, stopped, or adjusted, ensure the update is clearly noted in the MAR and verbally. Miscommunication is one of the top causes of errors.
