Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses about Medication Errors at Arabi Group Hospitals: A Cross-sectional Study رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Introduction: Medication errors are the most frequent type of medical mistakes, occurring when medications are either incorrectly prescribed or misused by patients under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Evaluating the factors that contribute to the underreporting of medication errors is essential for identifying solutions to prevent their recurrence and reduce the negative impact on patients, healthcare professionals, healthcare facilities, and the public. Study Aim: This study aimed to determine knowledge, attitude and practices towards medication errors at Arabi Group Hospitals, Palestine. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding medication errors at Arabi Group Hospitals in Palestine. The study was conducted among healthcare providers, including 600 nurses working at these hospitals. A structured, pre-tested questionnaire was conveniently distributed to 306 participants, selected as the sample size based on calculations using the Raosoft sample size calculator. Results: The results of this study indicated that the healthcare workers who participated displayed strong knowledge of medication errors 83%, which was reflected in their good practices. Majority of the participants (83%) exhibited good knowledge and (17%) had poor knowledge about medication errors reporting. About 57% respondents showed positive attitude and 43% respondents showed negative attitude about medication errors reporting. Good practice of medication error was only in 84% respondents. Employee factors to VI medication underreporting recorded was fear of some variables including, litigation (64%), negative consequences (75%) and fear of being seen as incompetent (55%). Conclusion: In healthcare settings, it is essential for management to be prepared to implement a reporting system that clearly defines adverse events and professional errors. Healthcare workers must feel safe to report incidents without fear of punishment or blame. Reporting is only valuable if it is followed by a comprehensive professional analysis at the management level, which can then lead to feedback and the development of strategies to enhance patient safety.