Which strategy is important for improving medication safety?

Implementing a double-check system for high-risk medications is crucial for improving medication safety because it provides an additional layer of verification before a medication is administered to a patient. High-risk medications are often associated with a higher potential for harm if errors occur, so having a second healthcare professional verify the dosage, route, and patient ensures that any mistakes can be caught and corrected before they reach the patient. This strategy emphasizes collaboration and shared responsibility in medication management, ultimately enhancing patient safety and reducing the risk of adverse drug events.

In contrast, reducing the number of medications prescribed may not directly address the underlying issues of medication safety and could inadvertently lead to suboptimal treatment regimens. Restricting access to medication information for patients undermines patient engagement and empowerment in their own healthcare, which is critical for safe medication use. Only training senior staff on medication handling neglects the importance of educating all healthcare team members, as medication errors can occur at any level of staffing and involvement. Comprehensive training and systems, such as the double-check method, are more effective in reducing medication-related errors.