SAFE PRACTICES IN THE MEDICATION PROCESS FROM THE NURSING PERSPECTIVE: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

 Medication therapy errors represent one of the most common types of incidents in healthcare institutions, largely caused by failures in care processes and human factors. Therefore, understanding the factors that lead to their occurrence is essential for prevention. This study aimed to identify, through an integrative literature review, the main risk factors related to the medication process, as well as the strategies adopted by nursing to promote good patient safety practices. An integrative literature review was conducted using the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and the Google Scholar scientific search tool in September 2025, resulting in 18 bibliographic materials categorized into three thematic areas. The findings highlighted the main risk factors associated with the medication process, which included operational, organizational, and human aspects. The primary strategic measures described in the studies to ensure patient safety were: process standardization, implementation of safety barriers, team organization and training, educational strategies, effective communication, improved working conditions, use of technologies, standardized protocols, multiprofessional involvement, and systematized practices. In addition, significant gaps were identified in nursing professionals’ knowledge regarding the medication process, revealing the need for systematic investment in continuing professional education. It is concluded, therefore, that the medication process involves multiple risk factors that require systematic attention and strategic action by nursing.