Medication Errors in Tertiary Care Hospitals: A Comprehensive Review of Severity, Causes, and Prevention Strategies

Medication errors are a major cause of preventable patient harm in tertiary care hospitals due to complex medication regimens, high patient acuity, and involvement of multiple healthcare professionals. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the severity, causes, clinical impact, and prevention strategies of medication errors in tertiary care settings. A narrative literature review was conducted using published studies and guidelines focusing on hospital-based medication errors. The evidence indicates that prescribing and administration errors are the most common, with high-alert medications frequently associated with serious outcomes. Medication errors contribute to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and higher healthcare costs. System-based interventions, including integration of clinical pharmacists, use of health information technologies, standardized medication processes, and promotion of a non-punitive safety culture, are effective in reducing medication errors. Strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration and institutional commitment is essential for sustainable improvement in medication safety. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/jchr.v16.i1.11811