Factors to improve the safety of the dispensing process include:

• Layout of the dispensary €“ The workflow should follow a linear process around the dispensary, with labelling, assembly and checking following a specific route. When people cross over in the process, errors can occur. A defined area should be reserved for accuracy checking.
• Temperature €“ The dispensary should be kept within a reasonable temperature range (16-25°C). Too low a temperature will lead to distraction.
• Noise €“ Too much noise will become a distraction. A radio playing in the dispensary can easily change an individual's focus.
• The ACPT role €“ Many pharmacies employ ACPTs. Research has shown that ACPTs tend to be more accurate than pharmacists. This can partly be put down to the focus they are able to give to accuracy checking and the fewer interruptions they receive. It might also be due to their preparation for the role. To become an ACPT, a technician must complete a training programme, write a personal protocol for checking, check 1,000 items without error under supervision, pass an assessment and then have their right to check reconfirmed every year. In general, pharmacists do not undertake the same preparation and are not required to demonstrate continued competence in this area.