Hello medics,

Here is a topic to get us all excited…filling in a drug chart. They love testing this in an OSCE and of course they should - you should be able to do this safely, as it will be asked of you the second you walk onto the ward.

Below are 7 tips to help you fill in the drug chart correctly and avoid common mistakes that are both dangerous and time consuming.

Lets gets started!

1) Do you have the right patient?

Before you even look at a drug chart, check that you have the right patient’s drug chart. A lot of drug charts are computer based, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible to make a mistake.

In the OSCE, ensure you compare the drug patient information to the patient in-front of you.. Although not seen yet during my days of taking exams or examining, one day they will test this by having a different patient.

2) Handwriting

You need to have legible handwriting anywhere in the patients notes for obvious reasons, but on a drug chart, the stakes just got a little higher. Have clear handwriting, use capitals, a good pen. Whatever helps, just make sure that you and someone else can read it. Drug errors occur so often due to problems with handwriting i.e. the wrong dose or even the wrong medications.

3) Check with BNF

If you are not sure about a medication dose, refrain from making it up. Double check in the BNF. In the OSCE you will be provided with a BNF, and so show you are safe and competent. When on the wards, again you have access to a BNF (book and app version), seniors and also an amazing pharmacist. Become familiar with using the BNF, from being familiar with the different chapters, to how to read the busy pages.

4) Write your name and bleep

When prescribing any medication, you need to leave your information in order for your colleagues to contact you in case of any issues, and also for auditing purposes. So write your name, position and bleep.

5) Check drug allergies

SO IMPORTANT. Please check drug allergies before even writing anything. The patient may have a red wristband, so please read this. Also ask the patient if they have any allergies. The drug allergy may even be already written on the prescription chart. Double check this before proceeding.

6) Check weight (especially paediatrics)

Again, drug charts may have already this information written on it. A few drugs are dependent on weight. Weight is vital for paediatrics, so do not forget this.

7) Other drug charts

There may be counterparts to the main drug chart, so be aware of this. Ie there may be an insulin sliding scale chart, a warfarin chart, fluid chart. Be familiar with all the drug charts available. Many hospitals have differing drug charts, and as stated above, some are also on computers. The point is that you recognise the different charts and the information that is required on them

Hoping this information has helped guide you to hopefully getting maximum marks on the OSCE/being a safer doctor.

For snippets of information please follow my social media, Lx