Observational Study of High-Alert and Look-Alike Sound-Alike (LASA) Medication Storage Systems at The Pharmacy Installation of Ratnasari Sehat 2 Primary Clinic, Ciwidey

Abstract

Medication safety in pharmaceutical services requires rigorous management of high-alert and Look-Alike Sound-Alike (LASA) medicines because identification and dispensing errors may cause serious patient harm. This study evaluated the storage system for high-alert and LASA medicines at the Pharmacy Installation of Ratnasari Sehat 2 Primary Clinic, Ciwidey. A descriptive quantitative design was applied to 54 respondents consisting of pharmacists, pharmacy technical personnel, pharmacy administration and logistics staff, and supporting health professionals. Data were collected using Likert-scale questionnaires, direct observation with a checklist, and documentation review. The findings showed that 92% of respondents expressed positive responses regarding understanding of high-alert medication risks and LASA identification. Furthermore, 90% positively assessed the effectiveness of layout, lighting, warning labels, and Tall Man Lettering. Operational challenges related to workload and interprofessional coordination were acknowledged by 86% of respondents. Direct observation confirmed the use of red High Alert labels, yellow LASA labels, physical separation of LASA medicines, Tall Man Lettering, and shelf boundary markings. Concentrated potassium chloride 7.46% was not stocked at the clinic, while an updated High Alert and LASA medication list was not available at the workstation. Overall, the storage system met most patient-safety indicators, but managerial improvement is required through updated visual references, workload evaluation, and sustained monitoring.