What aspect of anticoagulant therapy needs to be reduced to improve patient safety?

In the context of anticoagulant therapy, reducing the likelihood of patient harm is essential for improving patient safety. Anticoagulants, while necessary for managing various conditions like atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism, carry a significant risk of severe adverse effects, primarily bleeding complications. By focusing on minimizing patient harm, healthcare providers can implement better monitoring protocols, educate patients on medication adherence, and ensure thorough communication among healthcare teams. These efforts directly contribute to safer anticoagulant use and help prevent potentially life-threatening incidents.

While medication errors, the total number of medications prescribed, and the cost of anticoagulants are relevant issues in healthcare, prioritizing the reduction of patient harm directly aligns with the overarching goals of patient safety initiatives. An effective safety culture emphasizes patient outcomes and risk mitigation, making harm reduction a focal point in the safe administration of anticoagulants.