Knowledge and Perception Regarding Medication Error Among Nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Quality

Background:

• Medication errors are a significant source of preventable harm in healthcare.
• Assessing nurse knowledge and perception is crucial for improving patient safety.
• This study focuses on medication errors within hospital settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the knowledge level of nurses concerning medication errors.
• To assess nurses' perceptions of medication errors and their causes.
• To identify factors influencing nurses' understanding and views on medication errors.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted in four private hospitals.
• 302 nurses were recruited using a total enumerative sampling method.
• Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-squared test) were employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Commonly cited causes of medication errors include unclear handwriting and incorrect prescribing (route, dose, time).
• A majority of nurses (41.7%) demonstrated inadequate knowledge regarding medication errors.
• Overwhelmingly, nurses (90.4%) held a positive perception towards medication error awareness and reporting.

Conclusions:

• Nurses frequently exhibit insufficient knowledge about medication errors, contrasting with their generally positive perceptions.
• Implementing strategies to reduce nurse workload and reporting barriers is essential.
• Regular sensitization workshops are recommended to enhance medication error management and patient safety.