Risk factors for medication safety problems in community setting

Researchers in the USA have recently examined patient experiences in medication use processes to help derive initiatives to support safe medication use in community settings. The study involved a qualitative observational approach, with about 18 hours of direct observation of the medication use process across multiple settings for a sample of vulnerable, high-risk patients, as well as semi-structured interviews with medication safety experts. Limited English language proficiency, low health literacy, lack of clinician continuity, incomplete medication reconciliation and counseling, unsafe medication storage and disposal habits, and conflicting healthcare agendas with caregiver were all identified as issues conferring risk. The study (more details here) suggests that a great deal about medication safety can be gained by watching and listening to patients – who knew?