Medication Administration Errors and Contributing Factors Among Nurses in Tertiary Hospitals; A Cross-sectional Study in Peshawar KP

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17471897

Abstract

Introduction: Medication administration errors (MAEs) are prevalent in healthcare, causing patient harm and increased costs. Contributing factors include high workloads, inadequate training, poor communication, and disruptive environments. Addressing these errors requires targeted interventions, education, and cultural changes to improve patient safety and care quality.

Methodology: The   methodology, including the descriptive cross-sectional design used to explore medication administration errors among nurses in two teaching hospitals over six months. A sample of 267 registered nurses was selected using convenience sampling, with data collected via a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. Ethical considerations included institutional review board approval and informed consent from participants.

Result: The study of 267 nurses, predominantly young women with 1-6 years of experience, revealed a high prevalence of medication administration errors, with nearly half reporting errors in the past year. Common errors included wrong doses and incorrect administration routes, primarily due to similar-looking drugs and heavy workloads. Strategies to reduce errors focused on increased awareness, better training, and a supportive work environment, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols and reporting systems.

Conclusion:  Medication administration errors (MAEs) are prevalent, with nearly half of the 267 nurses reporting errors in the past year. Common errors included wrong doses and incorrect routes, often due to similar-looking drugs and heavy workloads. Strategies to reduce errors include increased awareness, better training, and supportive environments.