Improving patient safety through medicine risk communication: a theory-informed evaluation approach

Purpose The growing population and consequent augmented medicinal needs place an emphasis on effective pharmacovigilance processes. Patient safety may be optimised by further managing risks to prevent adverse drug reactions, which can be associated with significant hospital admissions and proportionate relevant monetary expenditure. Design/methodology/approach In this rapidly changing landscape, under the pressing demand to enhance patient safety, this conceptual paper offers an evidence-based perspective on the need and type of evaluation of the systems used for medicine risk communications. Findings National health products and medicines regulatory bodies/authorities are using approved outlets and distribution modes to communicate medicines safety issues timely and efficiently to healthcare practitioners. However, medicine risk communications need to be periodically evaluated on their effectiveness in achieving the desired patient outcomes regarding the acceptance and adherence by the targeted healthcare professionals. Originality/value The novelty of this study lies in its integration of behavioural science and human factors into the evaluation of medicine risk communication systems, offering a conceptual framework that moves beyond process metrics to include behavioural outcomes critical for patient safety.