Prevalence and causes of medication transcription errors among hospitalized patients: An observational study and survey of nurses at a faith-based hospital in Cameroon

Abstract

Medication errors are a leading cause of death globally; with the burden on resource-limited countries more than double that in high-income countries. Errors can occur at all stages of the medication use process; however, there is limited information on medication transcription errors (MTEs) among hospitalized patients in Africa. This study sought to determine the prevalence and types of MTEs and to assess nurses’ perceptions of the likely causes of MTEs within the pediatric and general wards at a faith-based hospital in Cameroon. A prospective chart review of medication orders transcribed for patients admitted from April 1 to April 30, 2021, was conducted. Data analyzed included patient demographics, prevalence and types of MTEs, medication classes involved in MTEs, and nurse’s perceptions of the causes of MTEs. A total of 578 medication orders were reviewed for 75 patients, of whom 40 (53%) were female, and 30 were admitted to the pediatric ward. The results revealed that 38 MTEs were recorded, with 47% occurring on the medication administration sheet and dispensing cards. The most frequent MTEs were the omission of new and stop medication orders, involved in 28.9% and 26% of all MTEs, respectively. Antibacterials for systemic use were involved in the majority (55.3%) of MTEs. Illegible prescriptions (90.7%), distractions (87.0%), and high workload (77.8%) were ascribed as the most likely causes of MTEs. In conclusion, MTEs are common and pose a potential risk of patient harm in hospitalized patients. The adoption of a computerized provider order entry system could eliminate illegible prescriptions, reduce transcription processes, and alleviate workload, thereby improving patient safety.