Development of an Evidence-Based Framework to Address Medication Errors in Health Care

Background Medication errors remain a major contributor to preventable patient harm worldwide, despite global initiatives such as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Medications Without Harm initiative. While numerous evidence-based interventions exist, they are often implemented in isolation and a comprehensive, multidisciplinary framework to guide system-wide medication safety across diverse healthcare setting is lacking. Methods This study developed of an evidence-based framework to prevent and address medication errors across the medication continuum, using a multi-method, three-stage approach. First, a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature and systematic reviews was undertaken to identify common causes of medication errors and effective interventions. Second, key priorities from the WHO Medication Without Harm initiative were integrated to ensure global and policy relevance. Third, sociological theory-building methods were applied to synthesize and organise findings into coherent higher-order domains, ensuring the framework was both comprehensive and practical for diverse healthcare environments. Results The ‘MAPS’ (Medication Accuracy, Protocols and Safety) framework comprises six areas: leadership and organizational culture, technology-enabled safety systems, multidisciplinary collaboration, continuous education and training, medication reconciliation and standardized protocols and global collaboration and systems strengthening. Each domain encompasses practical, evidence-based interventions addressing prescribing, dispensing, administration, monitoring and transitions of care. which can be adopted into daily clinical care, are presented within each focus area. The framework contributes to a more cohesive system-wide approach, enhancing decision-making and promoting medication safety. The framework provides a cohesive, system-level approach to medication safety that is adaptable across healthcare contexts. Conclusion The MAPS framework offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to medication error prevention aligned to global patient safety priorities. It provides practical guidance to support safer medication practices, improved decision-making and system-wide learning. Further empirical validation is required to evaluate implementation and effectiveness across diverse healthcare settings.