EXPLORING PATIENT-REPORTED EXPERIENCE IN MEDICATION SAFETY IN ASTER SANAD HOSPITAL

Background: Medication safety is a cornerstone of patient-centered healthcare and a global priority under the World Health Organizations (WHO) Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm. Despite advances in safety systems, medication errors remain a leading cause of preventable harm. Patients are often the first to recognize unsafe practices, yet their voices remain underrepresented in safety research, particularly in the Middle East. This study examines patient-reported experiences of medication safety at Aster Sanad Hospital, a private tertiary care institution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected through a validated patient-reported experiencemeasure (PREM) survey administered to 400 patients who had received prescribed medications within the past 12 months. Descriptive statistics were used for survey data. Result: This study revealed that while most patients expressed satisfaction with the technical 16 aspects of care, the report shows that areas for growth existed in communication and education about medication use. existed in communication and education about medication use. 17 The most frequently reported issues included insufficient explanations of side effects, unclear 18 dosage instructions, and delays in medication delivery. Facilitators of safe practices included 19 pharmacist counseling, provision of written information, and opportunities for patient question