#PRIYO CHITROSATHI NEWS💐
A single teaspoon of liquid medication can be enough to harm a toddler when the dose is incorrect, highlighting how small mistakes can create serious patient-safety risks. Globally, unsafe care is associated with substantial preventable harm, making it important for individuals and families to participate actively in safer healthcare. Patient-safety needs also change across the life course, from pregnancy and childhood to adolescence, adulthood and older age.
Life Stage 1: Pregnancy and childbirth
Regular antenatal care helps identify and manage risks early. The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of eight antenatal contacts during pregnancy, beginning in the first 12 weeks. It also recommends daily iron and folic acid supplementation- 30 to 60 mg of elemental iron and 400 mcg of folic acid, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Pregnant women should attend all scheduled antenatal check-ups so that their blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and other vital signs can be monitored. Iron, folic acid and other supplements should be taken only as advised by the obstetrician. All existing medicines, supplements and allergies should be discussed with the doctor before treatment is started or continued. Alcohol, tobacco and non-prescribed drugs should be avoided. The recommended maternal immunisations, including protection against tetanus where advised, should be taken on time. Vital signs and warning symptoms should also be monitored after childbirth. Severe headache, blurred vision, heavy bleeding, breathlessness, chest pain, high fever, seizures or reduced foetal movement require immediate medical attention.
Life Stage 2: Infancy and childhood
Children are particularly vulnerable to medication errors because their doses are often calculated according to body weight and their bodies process medicines differently from adults. Parents should ensure that the child is weighed when clinically necessary before a medicine is prescribed or its dose is changed. Liquid medicines should be measured in millilitres using the dosing syringe, cup or spoon supplied with the medicine. Household teaspoons and tablespoons should never be used because they may deliver an inaccurate dose; a tablespoon can contain three times as much liquid as a teaspoon.
Parents and caregivers should ask the prescriber or pharmacist to explain the dose, timing and duration of treatment. Medicines should be stored in their original, labelled containers and kept locked or out of children’s reach. Prescription medicines should never be shared and leftover antibiotics should not be reused. Caregivers should receive written instructions about allergies, chronic illnesses, medication schedules and emergency contacts. The medicine label should be checked every time before administration, particularly when different products have similar names or packaging.
Life Stage 3: Adolescence
Adolescence brings rapid physical, emotional and social changes. Patient safety during this stage extends beyond preventing medication errors to supporting nutrition, sleep, mental wellbeing, physical activity and safe digital behaviour.
Medicines should be stored in a labelled and secure place, away from younger children and visitors. Adolescents should be taught the correct dose, timing and duration of every prescribed medicine. They should avoid taking over-the-counter medicines, supplements, weight-loss products or painkillers without adult or professional guidance. Medication reminders, calendars or apps can help improve adherence, while parents, guardians and healthcare professionals should remain involved when appropriate. Adolescents should also feel comfortable discussing side effects, missed doses, substance use or concerns about their treatment.
A balanced diet containing iron-rich foods, protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains is important during adolescence. Iron intake deserves particular attention in adolescents who menstruate, especially if they experience persistent fatigue, dizziness or breathlessness. Adolescents should aim for 8–10 hours of sleep and limit late-night screen use. Thirty to 60 minutes of daily physical activity, according to their age, health status and interests, should be encouraged along with adequate hydration. Restrictive diets, supplements and performance enhancing products should not be used without professional advice.
Parents and caregivers should encourage open, non-judgmental communication so that adolescents feel comfortable discussing stress, relationships, body image, substance use and other health concerns. Sustained changes in mood, behaviour, appetite, sleep, school performance or social interaction should be observed carefully. Healthy coping skills such as journaling, hobbies, sports, creative activities, breathing exercises and time with trusted people can help adolescents manage stress. Professional support should be sought if an adolescent expresses hopelessness, has thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or shows signs of severe emotional distress.
Digital safety is another important aspect of adolescent wellbeing. Families should set age-appropriate screen-time limits and encourage regular breaks, adequate sleep and offline activities. Adolescents should be educated about privacy, strong passwords, location sharing and the risks of sending or posting personal images. They should be encouraged to report cyberbullying, threats, harassment or inappropriate contact to a trusted adult and the relevant platform. For younger adolescents, keeping devices in common areas and reviewing safety settings together can provide additional protection. They should also understand that meeting online contacts in person without a trusted adult’s knowledge can be unsafe.
Life Stage 4: Adulthood- 30s and 40s
During the 30s and 40s, work patterns, prolonged sitting, stress, poor sleep, tobacco use, alcohol and unhealthy eating can increase the risk of hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Prolonged sitting reduces muscle activity and may contribute to poor glucose and lipid regulation, while chronic stress and inadequate sleep can further affect blood pressure, appetite and metabolic health.
Adults should break up prolonged sitting with regular movement during the workday and include physical activity, strength-building exercises and a balanced diet in their routine. Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight should be monitored according to personal risk and medical advice. Regular sleep and practical stress-management strategies are equally important. Tobacco should be avoided and alcohol consumption should be limited. Adults should maintain an updated list of medicines, supplements and allergies and should never stop long-term medicines without consulting the prescribing clinician.
Life Stage 5: Older age - 65+
As people age, changes in balance, vision, kidney function and the way medicines are processed can increase safety risks. Patient safety during this stage focuses on preserving mobility, preventing falls and managing complex treatment routines. Polypharmacy, commonly defined as taking five or more medicines, can increase the possibility of side effects and drug interactions.
Older adults should request a complete medication review at least annually, or sooner after hospitalisation or a major treatment change. The doctor or pharmacist should check for duplicate medicines, unnecessary medicines, interactions and doses that may require adjustment. An updated medication list should be maintained and carried to all medical appointments and emergencies. Dizziness, confusion, excessive sleepiness or sudden weakness should be reported promptly.
Loose rugs and other tripping hazards should be removed, lighting should be improved and support rails should be installed where necessary. Older adults should rise slowly from beds or chairs if they experience dizziness. Regular reviews of eyesight, hearing, footwear and walking stability can also help reduce the risk of falls. Emergency contacts and important medical information should be kept easily accessible and assistance should be requested if memory, vision, dexterity or understanding makes it difficult to manage medicines safely.
From neonatal and paediatric care to adolescent wellbeing, adult chronic-disease prevention and healthy ageing, patient safety is a shared responsibility. Families can reduce avoidable harm by asking questions, checking medicines and doses, maintaining accurate health records, reporting concerning symptoms promptly and ensuring that healthcare decisions are understood before treatment begins.
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