Medication Safety in High-Risk Situations: A Scoping Review

Abstract

In view of the complexity and need for immediate care in places like intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments (EDs), and oncology wards, medication safety in high-risk scenarios is a major problem. The purpose of this scoping review is to map the body of research on pharmaceutical safety in these high-risk settings, identify major themes, and suggest topics for more study. We investigated the various forms of medication errors, their contributing variables, successful therapies, and their effects by conducting a systematic review of research conducted from 2000 to 2023.Our findings reveal that dosing errors, incorrect medication administration, and timing errors are prevalent in high-risk settings, often exacerbated by communication breakdowns, inadequate training, and insufficient staffing. Effective interventions, such as electronic health records (EHRs), barcoding systems, and clinical decision support systems (CDSS), have shown promise in reducing errors and improving patient outcomes. However, technological solutions must be complemented by a robust culture of safety and continuous monitoring to ensure long-term effectiveness. This review underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to medication safety, integrating technological, human, and organizational strategies, and calls for further research to develop and test comprehensive intervention models.