Enhancing safe medication use in home care: insights from informal caregivers (5 November 2024)

Summary

This study from Spain investigated the factors influencing medication errors made by informal caregivers while providing care at home.   

It found that errors made by informal caregivers occur more frequently than expected, and recognising these errors remains a challenge. Training is essential for creating safer care environments by increasing awareness of error sources and the risks associated with medication. Recipients’ direct relatives should receive appropriate training, considering differences between male and female caregivers. Associations and companies within the care economy sector should prioritise the creation of safer home care environments as a key objective.