Medication administration errors: Causes and reporting behaviours from nurses perspectives

Abstract

Evaluation of nurses' perceptions towards medication administration errors (MAEs) reporting is a key aspect for improving patient safety, and prevention of errors repetition. Thus, this study has evaluated nurses' behaviour towards MAEs reporting practice, and factors contributing to their under-reporting of errors. This is a cross-sectional survey-based study that was conducted during February 2021. During the study period, a convenience sample of nurses working at Jordan university hospital was invited to voluntarily participate in the study and to fill an online questionnaire uploaded on an electronic data collection platform. The questionnaire assessed nurses MAEs reporting practice, their perception towards factors contributing to MAEs, factors associated with under-reporting of MAEs, and their perception towards MAEs preventive measures. A total of 150 nurses responded to the electronic questionnaire, with 54.0% of them (n = 81) were males and the majority had a bachelor's degree in nursing (n = 138, 92.0%). Regarding MAE reporting's practice, 78% of them (n = 117) indicated that they are always/often report MAEs even if it is not possible to improve the patient's health status. With regard to factors contributing to MAEs, results showed that "insufficient staffing" was the most common reason contributing to MAEs occurrence reported by nurses (n = 114, 94.0%). Personal fear from nursing administration was the primary cause of MAEs under-reporting (n = 98, 65.3%), while 94.0% of nurses (n = 141) agreed/strongly agreed that following the six rights is a way to prevent MAEs occurrence. This study indicates a positive reporting attitude towards MAEs. Nursing administration concerns were considered the main reason associated with the under-reporting of MAEs. This study shed the light on the deep need for continuous education programmes about the importance of the right MAEs reporting. As well, the need for effective and restricted rules in a non-punitive environment to prevent MAEs incidences.