Why you should read this article:

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To recognise the reasons why medicines-related harm remains an issue

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To refresh your knowledge of the aims of medicines optimisation

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To identify potential strategies that you could use in your area of practice to reduce the risk of medicines-related harm

Effective medicines optimisation involves the use of medicines to control disease while ensuring that adverse effects are kept to a minimum. However, medicines-related harm and symptom mismanagement represent significant risks to patients, particularly those with long-term conditions. These risks are accentuated by inadequate patient monitoring, with some nurses and other healthcare professionals being unaware of their responsibility to monitor patients and avoid medicines-related harm. This article explores strategies that will enable nurses to take an increasingly active role in medicines optimisation.