Know These 5 Safe Medication Rights

On average a hospital patient is subject to one medication error a day—from delays in getting a needed medication to an oversight about a drug allergy to mix-ups with patients and correct medications. Nursing students learn “The 5 Rights” for safe medication and patients and family members should also use this simple checklist to make sure your medications are always right, says Elizabeth Bailey, a patient advocate and author of The Patient’s Checklist.

  • The right drug
  • The right dose
  • The right route (pill, shot, IV, etc.)
  • The right schedule
  • The right patient-that means you!