Enhancing Patient Safety Through Effective Interprofessional Communication: A Focus on Medication Error Prevention

Anas Alhur; Afrah A Alhur; Dhay Al-Rowais; Shahad Asiri; Hala Muslim; Dhai Alotaibi; Basha Al-Rowais; Fay Alotaibi; Shahd Al-Hussayein; Amjad Alamri; Balsam Faya; Weam Rashoud; Rehab Alshahrani; Norah Alsumait; Huda Alqhtani

doi:10.7759/cureus.57991

Enhancing Patient Safety Through Effective Interprofessional Communication: A Focus on Medication Error Prevention

Cureus. 2024 Apr 10;16(4):e57991. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57991. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Health Informatics, University of Hail College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Hail, SAU.
² Clinical Nutrition, University of Hail, Hail, SAU.
³ Pharmacology, Shaqra University, Shaqra, SAU.
⁴ Pharmacology, King Khalid University, Abha, SAU.
⁵ Pharmacology, Qassim University, Qassim, SAU.
⁶ Pharmacology, King Khalid University, Abah, SAU.

Abstract

Background: Medication errors significantly impact patient safety and healthcare costs. This study investigates the influence of interprofessional communication on medication error rates, with a focus on identifying actionable strategies to improve communication efficacy among healthcare professionals.

Methods: Utilizing a quantitative approach, this research distributed a detailed online questionnaire to a broad cohort of healthcare workers in various settings within Saudi Arabia. The survey encompassed sections on demographics, the frequency and quality of interprofessional communication, perceived barriers and facilitators to effective communication, and personal experiences with medication errors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to derive descriptive and inferential statistics, alongside thematic analysis for qualitative responses.

Results: The survey attracted 1165 respondents, predominantly aged 20-30 (68.58%) and female (65.49%). Pharmacists constituted the largest professional group (40.34%). We identified a notable positive correlation (r = 0.16) between high-quality interprofessional communication and employment in hospital environments or having 5-20 years of experience. In contrast, negative correlations were observed with employment in non-traditional healthcare settings (r = -0.19) and professionals with less than five years of experience (r = -0.13), indicating communication challenges. The analysis also highlighted a concerning frequency of prescription and dispensing errors, with 52.70% of participants reporting prescription errors as the most common issue encountered.

Conclusion: Effective interprofessional communication is pivotal in mitigating medication errors within healthcare settings. The study illuminates specific areas for improvement, including the need for targeted communication training, particularly for less experienced professionals and those in non-traditional settings. Enhancing communication channels and fostering an environment conducive to open, interdisciplinary dialogue are essential steps towards advancing patient safety and reducing medication errors.

Keywords: communication barriers; healthcare collaboration; healthcare workforce; interprofessional communication; medication error prevention; medication management; patient safety; quality of care; saudi arabia healthcare.