Exploring Nurses' Perceptions and Beliefs Regarding the Causes of Medication Errors

Abstract

Background: Patient safety is a fundamental challenge facing health organizations worldwide. Medication safety is a crucial element that falls under patient safety. Therefore, errors in medication administration may be directly associated with mortality and morbidity. This systematic review aims to explore nurses' perceptions and beliefs regarding the causes of medication errors.

Methods: Three databases were utilized for systematic search through Mohammed Bin Rashid Medicine and Health Sciences University Library to access CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline. Additional data was sourced by cross-referencing in-text citations to collate the best available evidence exploring nurses' perceptions and beliefs regarding the causes of medication errors. Twelve articles were critically appraised, utilizing the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist (CASP).

Results: Four themes were synthesized from a critical evaluation of the literature. These themes are -nurses believe that medication errors are primarily caused by - poor communication, staff shortage, poor skill mix and/or heavy workload, nurses' lack knowledge of the medication process, and when certain environmental factors are present.

Conclusion: There were various causes for medication administration errors in nurses' perceptions and beliefs. This means an essential enhancement in medication safety is likely to require multiple, inter-relating, complex interventions, and attention to nurses' perceptions as they play a significant role in enhancing medication safety. Due to the lack of current research on this subject in the Middle East, more research should be conducted to examine medication safety in this part of the world.