Relationship between Medication Safety Competence and Perception of Medication Administration Errors among Clinical...

All nursing care must be performed without harming the patient. Medication errors pose a significant threat to patient safety. This study aimed to determine the relationship between medication safety competence (MSC) and clinical nurses' perceptions of medication administration errors (MAEs).

This descriptive-correlational study was conducted among 300 clinical nurses. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling in 2024. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics form, the Medication Safety Competence Scale (MSCS), and the Medication Administration Error Reporting Survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13, employing descriptive and inferential statistics.

The results indicated that the mean (SD) scores for MSC and MAEs were 294.22 (26.61) and 135.48 (15.14), respectively. Scores ranged from 36 to 185 for MSC and 65 to 425 for MAEs. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between MAEs and gender, marital status, Work experience, and participation in the MSC workshop. Simple linear regression analysis showed that the "Underreporting of MAEs" domain was the strongest predictor of MSC among the variables examined.

The nurses who participated in this study reported moderate levels of MSC and perceived a moderate frequency of MAEs. Healthcare policymakers and decision-makers should implement strategies such as conducting ideation sessions and practical workshops to reduce medication errors and enhance nurses' MSC.