Systematic review on safe prescribing training for medical students.

Introduction: Medication errors present a significant challenge to patient safety, stemming from inaccuracies in prescribing, dispensing, administration, and monitoring. These errors emphasise the urgent need to enhance safe prescribing training for medical students. This systematic review evaluates educational interventions aimed at improving prescribing competencies among medical undergraduates. Methods: A comprehensive search across Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar identified 16 primary studies that met the inclusion criteria. The interventions examined included case-based workshops, simulation-based training, e-learning platforms, interprofessional education, and pharmacist-led initiatives. Results: Findings consistently indicated that structured, longitudinal teaching, particularly when it integrates clinical relevance, decision-support tools, and hands-on practice, significantly enhanced students’ prescribing accuracy and confidence. Additionally, effective training in obtaining patient histories, identifying treatment goals, and recognising contraindications, drug interactions, and comorbidities was deemed critical for reducing medication errors. However, inconsistencies were observed in training content, duration, and delivery methods across institutions. Conclusion: The review highlights the importance of integrating a standardised, evidence-based safe prescribing curriculum that incorporates digital innovations, real-time feedback, and collaborative learning. This will equip future healthcare professionals with the necessary competencies to minimise prescribing errors and uphold patient safety.