Contributing Factors to Medication Administration Errors Among Novice Registered Nurses: An Integrative Review

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Quality

Background:

• Medication administration errors (MAEs) pose a significant risk to patient safety and care quality.
• Novice registered nurses (NRNs) are identified as a population more susceptible to MAEs.
• Understanding factors contributing to MAEs in NRNs is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the influencing factors contributing to medication administration errors (MAEs) made by novice registered nurses (NRNs).

Main Methods:

• An integrative review of peer-reviewed, full-text articles published in English between January 2013 and December 2023.
• Literature search conducted across CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.
• Quality assessments and data syntheses performed by two independent authors, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.

Main Results:

• Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, identifying key influencing factors for MAEs in NRNs.
• Intrinsic factors include lack of confidence, reduced coping skills, and reluctance to seek assistance.
• Extrinsic factors encompass time pressures, heavy workloads, insufficient staffing, and high-stress environments.

Conclusions:

• MAEs in NRNs are linked to gaps in pharmacological knowledge, limited simulation-based learning, and electronic medical record challenges.
• Targeted education and increased simulation in undergraduate nursing curricula can enhance NRNs' competence and confidence.
• Addressing these factors can reduce patient harm and improve overall nursing practice and education globally.