Nurses' Knowledge Regarding Medication Errors in Government Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Nursing knowledge regarding medication error can be caused by various things, including personal causes (stress, exhaustion), predisposing conditions (extended work shifts, busy environmental settings), and a lack of experience and awareness regarding medication error. The most frequent medical errors in hospital settings involve the administration of medications. Objective: This study aims to assess nurses‟ knowledge regarding medication errors and to identify the relationship between nurses' knowledge and their demographic characteristics. Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative carried out from 1 December 2022 to 1 February 2023 on the three Al Najaf Al-Ashraf Province hospitals. A non-probability sampling technique (convenience sample) accidentally. The study sample includes (200) nurses who work in Al-Sadr Medical City, Al-Hakim General Hospital, and Al-Zahraa Hospital. A questionnaire specifically designed to achieve the study's goals serves as the research instrument. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were validated using an expert panel and Cronbach's Alpha, respectively. Result: showed that (54%) of nurses were males and (41%) were aged (25-29) years old. Overall, nurses’ knowledge regarding medication errors was moderate. The nurse’s knowledge was found to be significantly associated with (workplace, qualification, years of experience and continuing nursing education courses). Conclusion: The study concluded that the nurses' general understanding of medication errors was moderate. The most knowledgeable nurses are those who participate in continuing nursing education programs. The nurses with greater levels of education have the most expertise in medication errors. The nurses with the greatest depth of knowledge about medication errors are those with the greatest number of years of experience.