"Medication Safety in Medical-Surgical Units: Nursing Interventions and Best Practices"

Abstract: Medication safety is a critical component of quality care in medical-surgical units, where patients often present with complex conditions requiring multiple pharmacological therapies. Medication errors remain a significant cause of preventable harm, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Nurses, as the primary professionals responsible for medication administration and monitoring, play a pivotal role in ensuring medication safety. This review explores medication safety in medical-surgical units with a focus on nursing interventions and best practices that prevent medication errors across the medication-use process. The article examines common types and causes of medication errors, system-related challenges, evidence-based nursing strategies, the role of technology, patient engagement, and organizational support mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on fostering a culture of safety, enhancing clinical competence, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. By synthesizing current evidence and best practices, this review highlights the essential contribution of medical-surgical nurses in advancing medication safety and improving patient outcomes.