What is a common cause of medication errors?

Miscommunication about medication usage is a significant contributor to medication errors. This can occur in various forms, such as unclear verbal communication between healthcare providers and patients, misinterpretation of written instructions, or deviations from established protocols. When staff members or patients do not fully understand how a medication should be taken, what it is prescribed for, or possible side effects, the chance for mistakes dramatically increases. Therefore, ensuring clarity in communication is crucial for preventing errors and promoting patient safety in medication management.

The other options, such as thorough documentation, clear patient instructions, and frequent follow-up communication, serve to enhance clarity and safety in medication management rather than contribute to errors. They support better understanding and adherence, thereby reducing the likelihood of miscommunication and subsequent medication errors.