title: Factors associated with a perceived harmful outcome from medication errors: a pilot study.
abstract: The purpose of this pilot study was: 1) to describe factors associated with a perceived harmful outcome following medication errors made by nurses and 2) to refine the Medication Error Risk Profile (MERP) (Wolf, 1992). Ninety-four registered nurses and licensed practical nurses completed the MERP. Multiple stepwise regression analyses were used to explain the variance in the dependent variable of perceived patient harm with: 1) phases of preparation and administration; 2) categories of person responsible for the error; 3) interventions needed following the error and symptoms related to the error. The exploratory regression analysis suggests a model in which the dispensing phase of administration, the physician and pharmacist categories of persons responsible for the error, and the interventions of patient transfer to another unit and additional medications given following the error explain 53% of the variance in perceived harmful outcome for patients consequent to medication errors. A moderately strong correlation (r = .46, P < .001) existed between perceived patient harm as measured on the four-point scale and total intervention score following medication errors.
authors.forename: Z R
authors.initials: ZR
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: T B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: McGoldrick
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Flynn
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Warwick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires