Which factor poses a risk for medication errors during transitions of care?

The factor that poses a risk for medication errors during transitions of care is a lack of communication between healthcare providers. During transitions, such as when a patient moves from one care setting to another (for instance, from a hospital to a rehabilitation facility), there can be significant changes in medication management. If healthcare providers do not effectively communicate about a patient's current medications, any adjustments that have been made, or specific instructions regarding medication administration, it can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, a provider might not be aware of a drug that has been recently discontinued or a dosage that has been altered, leading to either duplication of therapy or underdosing.

Effective communication is essential to ensuring that all parties involved in a patient’s care have the same information, thereby minimizing the likelihood of errors in medication prescriptions or administrations. This is particularly critical during transitions when patients are at increased risk due to modifications in their treatment plans and medication regimens.

In contrast, consistent patient education across settings, standardization of medication protocols, and utilization of electronic health records can all aid in reducing medication errors and improving communication, thereby enhancing safety during care transitions. Such measures help ensure that healthcare providers have access to crucial patient information and that patients are well-informed about their medications, reducing the overall