Beyond the ICU: Addressing Medication Safety During Transitions of Care in Saudi Critical Care Survivors

Abstract

Critical care survivors face numerous challenges during their transition from intensive care to regular hospital wards and eventually to home care. This article examines medication-related problems (MRPs) affecting critical care survivors in Saudi Arabia, where the healthcare system has rapidly developed but still faces challenges in care transitions. The review reveals that inadequate medication reconciliation during transitions, inappropriate continuation of ICU-initiated medications, and insufficient follow-up care are significant issues affecting patient outcomes. Common problematic medication classes include stress ulcer prophylaxis, antipsychotics, opioids, and various other ICU-initiated therapies that are often continued inappropriately after discharge. The article discusses potential interventions to address these problems, including structured medication reconciliation programs, multidisciplinary follow-up clinics, and pharmacist-led interventions. The findings highlight the need for Saudi Arabia to develop specialized post-ICU care services and implement systematic medication review processes to improve patient outcomes and reduce medication-related harm in critical care survivors.