Risk mitigation strategies (RMS) are essential for enhancing patient safety and ensuring effective healthcare delivery. However, their success depends on translating theoretical frameworks into practical, patient-centred interventions. Patient empowerment has been increasingly recognised as a crucial dimension of healthcare, improving patients’ understanding and control over their health and care processes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasised that patients’ active role and involvement in their care are essential for enhancing patient safety.

This presentation explores the integration of patients in RMS, focusing on the hospital pharmacist’s role in bridging theory and clinical practice. It will address critical questions, such as whether patients are involved in shaping, implementing, and evaluating RMS, and if not, why. Strategies for patient involvement range from providing information and education (e.g., brochures, surveys, peer support groups) to engaging patients in feedback and evaluation through tools like incident reporting systems and structured interviews. Examples will include practical approaches like medication reconciliation to reduce adverse drug events (ADEs), timely communication about medication changes to increase adherence, and the use of the teach-back method to ensure understanding of new medications or skills, such as inhaler techniques or subcutaneous injections.

Challenges, including the lack of patient input, delayed follow-ups, and limited resources, will also be discussed, along with solutions to overcome these barriers. Attendees will gain insights into how pharmacists can engage patients through consultation, advocacy, and collaboration, ensuring RMS are patient-friendly and effective. This session aims to inspire medical writers to prioritise patient involvement as a key component of RMS to improve outcomes, enhance adherence, and foster safer healthcare systems.