What should a pharmacist do if making a change to a patient's medication as per a doctor's order for a mail order prescription?

When a pharmacist makes a change to a patient's medication based on a doctor's order for a mail order prescription, it is crucial to ensure effective communication with the patient regarding that change. The correct course of action involves making two attempts to inform the patient within 48 hours. This practice ensures that the patient is adequately informed of the change in their medication, which is essential for their safety and adherence to the treatment plan.

This requirement is in place because patients often rely on pharmacists to help them understand their medications and any modifications to their prescriptions. Making multiple attempts to reach the patient underscores the importance of direct communication, allowing for questions and clarifications that the patient might have.

While documenting the change is certainly important, it is not sufficient on its own if the patient remains uninformed. Simply calling the patient once does not guarantee that they will receive the information, and notifying only in the case of a brand-name substitution fails to address the broader scope of medication changes that might occur. Thus, the emphasis on making two attempts reflects a commitment to patient care and safety in the pharmacy practice.