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12 - Calculation Skills

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 December 2021

Molly Courtenay
Affiliation:
Cardiff University
Matthew Griffiths
Affiliation:
Birmingham City University
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Summary

The competence framework for prescribers states that they should be able to accurately complete and routinely check calculations relevant to prescribing and practical dosing. Prescribers should know about common types of medication error and how to prevent them. The incorrect application of dosing equations is considered a major contributor to preventable adverse events associated with the prescribing of medicines. Anyone required to check calculations performed by others must be competent to perform such calculations independently. A complex calculation is any process requiring more than one step in the preparation and/or administration of a medicine to a patient. Throughout the chapter there are useful tips on how to reduce the risks associated with complex calculations. This chapter includes information on units of measurement, units of amount and various methods used to calculate drug concentration, dose and rate of drug administration. Also included are simple pharmacokinetic concepts and calculations specific to palliative care. At the end of each section there are sample calculations (with answers) allowing readers to test their calculation abilities

Type
Chapter
Information
Independent and Supplementary Prescribing
An Essential Guide
, pp. 224 - 262
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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  • Calculation Skills
    • By
  • Edited by Molly Courtenay, Cardiff University, Matthew Griffiths, Birmingham City University
  • Book: Independent and Supplementary Prescribing
  • Online publication: 23 December 2021
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108933681.013
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  • Calculation Skills
    • By
  • Edited by Molly Courtenay, Cardiff University, Matthew Griffiths, Birmingham City University
  • Book: Independent and Supplementary Prescribing
  • Online publication: 23 December 2021
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108933681.013
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Calculation Skills
    • By
  • Edited by Molly Courtenay, Cardiff University, Matthew Griffiths, Birmingham City University
  • Book: Independent and Supplementary Prescribing
  • Online publication: 23 December 2021
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108933681.013
Available formats
×