Nurse perceptions of medication errors: what we need to know for patient safety.
This study describes nurse perceptions about medication errors. Findings reveal that there are differences in the perceptions of nurses about the causes and reporting of medication errors. Causes include illegible physician handwriting and distracted, tired, and exhausted nurses. Only 45.6% of the 983 nurses believed that all drug errors are reported, and reasons for not reporting include fear of manager and peer reactions. The study findings can be used in programs designed to promote medication error recognition and reduce or eliminate barriers to reporting.
Kaiser Permanente, California Division, San Diego, Calif 92109, USA. Ann.m.mayo@kp.org
Ann M
AM
Mayo
Denise
D
Duncan
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002140:California; D015984:Causality; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008510:Medication Systems, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013597:Systems Analysis