THE ROLE OF THE HOSPITAL PHARMACIST IN THE PREVENTION OF MEDICATION ERRORS

Abstract

Medication errors remain one of the greatest challenges faced by hospitals, significantly compromising patient safety and quality of care. These errors can occur at various stages of the medication use process, including prescribing, dispensing, administration, and monitoring, and often arise due to human, organizational, and technological factors. Identifying and preventing these errors is essential to reduce adverse events and promote a safer hospital environment (SILVA; ALMEIDA, 2022).In this context, the role of the hospital pharmacist has emerged as a fundamental component in minimizing medication-related risks. Pharmacists are responsible for strategic activities such as prescription validation, medication reconciliation, and pharmacotherapeutic monitoring, which contribute to the rational use of medicines and improved clinical outcomes for patients. Their presence in multidisciplinary teams has shown a positive impact on preventing medication errors (COSTA et al., 2023). Beyond technical roles, hospital pharmacists also assume an educational function, guiding healthcare teams and patients on the correct use of medicines and necessary precautions to avoid mistakes. This educational role strengthens the safety culture within healthcare institutions, promoting awareness and engagement of professionals in safe practices (MARTINS; FERREIRA, 2021). Recent studies show that the inclusion of pharmacists in patient safety committees and clinical protocols contributes significantly to reducing medication errors and adverse drug events. These interventions have proven effective for the early detection of potential failures, allowing the adoption of corrective measures that directly benefit patient health (OLIVEIRA; PEREIRA, 2022).However, despite proven benefits, full integration of pharmacists in hospital teams still faces obstacles. Resource limitations, lack of professional recognition, and structural challenges in public institutions hinder the expansion of clinical pharmacy activities, compromising the potential contribution of pharmacists to patient safety (RODRIGUES et al., 2024).To overcome these challenges, it is essential to invest in continuous training of hospital pharmacists and develop institutional policies that recognize and promote their leading role. Valuing pharmacists and strengthening their role contribute to improving healthcare processes and building a safer and more efficient environment (SANTOS; LIMA, 2023). Pharmacist interventions also positively impact hospital management by reducing costs associated with adverse events and prolonged hospital stays caused by medication errors. This relationship between patient safety and healthcare economics reinforces the importance of pharmacists' presence at all levels of care (ALMEIDA; SOUZA, 2021). In summary, preventing medication errors through the hospital pharmacist’s role is a crucial strategy to ensure patient safety, treatment effectiveness, and continuous improvement of hospital care. Recognizing and expanding this role is fundamental to promoting safer and more efficient healthcare (COSTA et al., 2023).