The current global movement for patient safety has focused on quaternary prevention - actions to avoid excessive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and to minimize the risk of iatrogenicity - to prevent harm to patients and unnecessary costs to the health system. In transitional care situations such as hospital discharge the occurrence of adverse drug events may require hospital readmission or outpatient or emergency care. This article aimed to provide input to the discussion on patient safety management for medication use after hospital discharge. A literature search was conducted and strategies such as medication reconciliation, patient and/or caregiver counseling, discharge summary communication and follow-up after discharge are addressed. In addition, it is stressed the need for interdisciplinary and interinstitutional actions for comprehensive care. In conclusion, patient care provided by hospital teams and effective coordination of care by the hospital and other health services are crucial to meet this significant public health challenge of ensuring patient safety on medication use after discharge.
medication; adverse events; hospital; patient safety; public health