Exploration of prescribing error reporting across primary care: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient Safety
• Medication Safety

Background:

• Prescribing errors are a significant concern in primary care, impacting patient safety.
• Effective reporting systems are crucial for learning and preventing future errors.
• Understanding the factors influencing reporting is essential for improving current practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the reporting of prescribing errors within primary care settings.
• To identify contextual factors that affect the reporting of medication errors.
• To inform strategies for improving prescribing error reporting systems.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with primary care professionals and stakeholders.
• Data collection and analysis guided by the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour) model.
• Framework analysis using NVivo software to code and chart interview data.

Main Results:

• Multiple factors influencing capability, opportunity, and motivation to report prescribing errors were identified.
• Key contextual factors include the nature of prescribing, varying organizational priorities, and complex reporting infrastructures.
• A lack of consistency was observed in the reporting of prescribing errors across primary care.

Conclusions:

• Further research is needed to establish consensus on reporting thresholds and collaborative learning approaches.
• Addressing organizational needs and priorities is crucial for effective reporting.
• Community pharmacy may play an expanded role in future prescribing error reporting to support learning.