Medication error reporting system: barriers and challenging issues among HCPs in Saudi Arabia - a cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality and Safety
• Pharmacovigilance
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Medication errors are a significant global patient safety concern.
• Effective medication error reporting systems are crucial for identifying and mitigating risks.
• Understanding healthcare professionals' perspectives is key to improving reporting practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess healthcare professionals' (HCPs) understanding of medication error reporting.
• To evaluate HCPs' attitudes towards medication error reporting.
• To identify challenges faced by HCPs in reporting medication errors in Saudi hospitals.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing an online questionnaire.
• Involved physicians, pharmacists, and nurses from various Saudi hospitals.
• Assessed knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with medication error reporting.

Main Results:

• 170 HCPs participated; most were under 35, female, and Saudi nationals.
• A majority had heard of reporting forms and had reported errors previously.
• Significant differences in knowledge scores were observed based on age, gender, profession (pharmacists highest), and hospital type (government higher). Male participants showed higher attitude scores.

Conclusions:

• Progress in medication error reporting exists, but knowledge and reporting gaps remain.
• Systemic barriers need to be addressed to enhance patient safety.
• Recommendations include education, process optimization, and fostering a non-punitive reporting culture.