Nurses' simulation-based medical error experiences: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Patient Safety
• Medical Education

Background:

• Medical errors pose significant risks to patient safety, often due to miscommunication and negligence.
• Nurses are pivotal in error prevention but frequently underreport or conceal errors.
• Simulation-based applications offer a safe environment for nurses to confront and learn from medical errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate nurses' experiences with medical errors within a simulated environment.
• To gain an in-depth understanding of nurses' behavioral responses to medical errors.
• To explore factors influencing nurses' reporting behaviors regarding medical errors.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive phenomenological qualitative research design.
• 10 nurses participated in simulation scenarios aligned with INACSL standards.
• Data collection involved descriptive forms and semi-structured interviews, analyzed using descriptive phenomenological analysis.

Main Results:

• Nurses exhibited two primary behaviors: concealment (4 participants) and disclosure (6 participants).
• Analysis revealed two overarching themes and 12 subthemes detailing nurses' experiences with medical errors.
• Identified factors influenced nurses' emotional and behavioral responses to simulated medical errors.

Conclusions:

• Nurses display varied behaviors and emotions when facing medical errors, influenced by underlying factors.
• Findings can inform strategies for managing medical errors in nursing practice.
• Simulation-based approaches are recommended for integration into nursing education for medical error management.