RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 How physicians can prevent medication errors: practical strategies JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO Cleve Clin J Med FD Cleveland Clinic SP 355 OP 359 VO 64 IS 7 A2 Donald G. Vidt A1 Edward H. Jones A1 Rex Speerhas YR 1997 UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/64/7/355.abstract AB To eliminate and reduce medication errors, health care organizations must develop a consistent approach that allows examination of errors in a supportive atmosphere with a bias toward preventing future errors rather than punishing past ones. Until improved systems are in place, physicians can help prevent many of the most serious medication errors by observing some basic safety practices, such as writing orders whenever possible and limiting verbal orders to urgent or emergency situations, writing clearly and neatly, and avoiding abbreviations.