Makassar, Indonesia April 25 2026/PMN-RG/ –Â Every day, hospitals save lives. But behind the scenes, there is a silent risk that many people never realize medication errors. Among the most dangerous are High-Alert Medications (HAM), a group of drugs that can cause serious harm or even death if used incorrectly.
Nurses are at the center of this critical process. They are the last line of defense before medication reaches the patient. However, a recent study published in the Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences reveals that nurses face significant challenges in ensuring the safe administration of these high-risk medications.
The study highlights that one of the biggest problems is a lack of knowledge and training. Many nurses are not fully prepared to manage HAM safely, especially when they have not received proper education or continuous training. As described in the abstract on page 1, insufficient knowledge and training are among the main barriers faced by nurses.
Another major issue is the absence of standardized procedures. Without clear guidelines, nurses may rely on inconsistent practices, increasing the risk of errors. In the results section summarized in Table 3 (page 6), the lack of standard operating procedures is repeatedly identified as a key barrier.
Communication also plays a crucial role. The study found that poor collaboration between healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—can lead to misunderstandings and unsafe decisions. For example, unclear prescriptions or conflicting instructions can create confusion during medication administration.
Workload is another hidden challenge. Nurses often work under pressure with high patient loads, making it difficult to maintain focus and accuracy. According to the findings discussed on page 7, factors such as fatigue, inadequate supervision, and limited resources further increase the risk of medication errors.
These challenges directly relate to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to ensure safe and quality healthcare for all. Medication safety is a fundamental part of patient safety. Without addressing these barriers, healthcare systems cannot achieve optimal outcomes.
So, what can be done?
The study offers several practical solutions. First, continuous education and training are essential. Nurses need updated knowledge and hands-on experience to handle high-risk medications safely. Second, healthcare institutions must develop and implement clear, standardized guidelines for HAM administration.
Improving communication is equally important. Strong teamwork and collaboration among healthcare professionals can significantly reduce errors. Additionally, the use of technology such as computerized medication systems can help improve accuracy and reduce human error.
Finally, building a culture of safety within healthcare organizations is key. This means creating an environment where patient safety is a shared responsibility, and where nurses feel supported, valued, and empowered.
In conclusion, medication safety is not just about systems or technology it is about people. Nurses play a vital role in protecting patients from harm, but they cannot do it alone. By supporting them with knowledge, systems, and collaboration, we can create safer healthcare for everyone.
Reference:
DOI : 10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.2.00127
Contact:
Dr. Yuliana Syam, S.Kp., Ns, M.Si.
+6281342012733
yulianasyam@unhas.ac.id
