Medication errors are frequent and may arise from clinicians, pharmacists, nurses, or even patients. A simple prescribing checklist can support safer practice by reducing mistakes and preventing harm. This article outlines a structured tool to minimize prescribing errors. First, accurate patient identification is essential confirm the right patient and verify medical details such as allergies and comorbidities.
Prescriptions must align with the patient’s best interests, follow evidence-based guidelines, and have a clear, justified indication where benefits outweigh risks. When unlicensed drugs are used, clinicians should be able to explain their rationale. Patients should be informed about treatment benefits, risks, side effects, dosage instructions, and expected duration, and alternative options should be considered where appropriate. Prescribers must account for contraindications and…
