What is the primary goal of drug audits in nursing homes?

The primary goal of drug audits in nursing homes is to ensure effective medication management and safety. This involves a comprehensive review of all medications prescribed to residents, focusing on verifying that medications are administered appropriately, monitoring for potential adverse reactions, and ensuring that dosages and administration schedules are followed correctly.

By conducting drug audits, facilities can identify discrepancies and areas for improvement in their medication practices, ultimately prioritizing the health and well-being of their residents. Effective medication management helps to prevent medication errors, reduce the risk of adverse drug events, and ensure that residents receive the right medications for their conditions, all of which contribute significantly to overall safety and quality of care in nursing homes.

While minimizing patient complaints, improving staff efficiency, or cutting pharmaceutical costs may be beneficial outcomes of conducting drug audits, they are not the primary goals. The foremost focus remains on ensuring that medication practices are safe and effective, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare delivered to residents.