A Qualitative Exploration of the Perspectives on Medication Error Among Healthcare Professionals

Medication error is a global problem worldwide, particularly in large healthcare systems where human error, systemic failures and other issues contribute to increase risk of mistakes. In spite of several efforts to improve patient safety, medication errors continue to result in significant patient harm. In countries like India, the complexity of healthcare system, varying access to resources, and rising demands contribute positively to the problem. This study focuses on the perspectives of healthcare professionals on medication error, its challenges and solutions. The objectives of the study were to to assess the perceptions of medication errors among the healthcare professionals and to identify the barriers in promoting safe medication use as well as to derive strategies to mitigate medication error.  Methods: A qualitative descriptive study design using semi-structured interviews with doctors, nurses, and pharmacists of the Institute was employed. Thematic analysis was used to identify and understand the patterns in the data. We used purposive sampling to specifically include healthcare professionals who are directly involved in the medication process.

Data were collected from a total of 26 healthcare professionals which included 10 doctors, 13 nurses, and 3 pharmacists. We identified six predominant themes that included shortages in prescription orders, increased workloads and manpower shortages, mismatch in the dose and formulations available, and inadequate knowledge about reporting errors, use of electronic prescribing, open communication and availability of ready-to-use formulations. These factors contributed to higher error rates and made it difficult to improve safety.

To reduce medication errors, we should address important issues like increase workload, bridging communication gap, use of technology to reduce medication error like electronic prescription and regular training of all healthcare professionals. This in turn will improving patient safety. Focusing on these areas is critical to preventing medication errors and ensuring high-quality care.