[Medication errors: prevention strategies]

Medication errors are an important aspect of health care. The American Institute of Medicine informs that 44,000 to 98,000 Americans die annually as a result of medication errors and that such errors affect 2 to 14% of hospitalized patients. The American Society of Hospital Pharmacists presents strategies that, if implemented, can prevent or reduce medication errors. This review discusses four strategies: electronic prescription, the pharmacist's role, the report of errors and the patient's role. A non-punitive culture that prioritizes patient's safety should be stimulated in institutions.