MEDICATION SAFETY IN NURSING PRACTICE: STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING MEDICATION ERRORS AND IMPROVING PATIENT OUTCOMES

Abstract

Medication safety is a vital aspect of nursing care and a key factor in patient outcomes in all health-related environments or areas. Nurses are at a critical point to prevent medication-related harm because they are involved with the medication in multiple ways, including verification, preparation, administration, monitoring, reconciliation, and patient education. The major categories and factors related to medication errors, nurse's role in safe medication use and evidence-based interventions to prevent adverse events are reviewed. Medication errors can be attributed to situation-related factors, such as lack of knowledge, fatigue, stress, limited experience and organizational factors, such as insufficient staffing, workload, interruptions, communication problems and medication systems that are poorly designed. Preventive approaches include standardized administration procedures, medication reconciliation, competency-based education, simulation training, patient engagement, interprofessional collaboration, and supportive safety cultures. When effectively integrated into clinical workflows, technology-enabled systems such as barcode medication administration, electronic medication records, clinical decision support, automated dispensing systems, and smart infusion pumps can further bolster medication safety. Special attention needs to be paid to older adults, pediatric patients, critically ill patients and patients undergoing transitions of care. Medication safety enhancement demands a focused nursing surveillance, improved communication, human-friendly technology, ongoing professional learning and organizational learning. Improved strengthening of these elements will decrease medication errors, avoidable harm, and increase patient care safety, continuity, and quality