Medication errors in university-affiliated teaching hospitals as compared to non-university-affiliated teaching hospitals in Jordan.
BACKGROUND
"Medication errors" is a serious underreported practice issue. This is the first study in Jordan and other countries that compare medication errors between university-affiliated teaching hospitals (UATHs) and non-university-affiliated teaching hospitals (NUATHs).


METHODS
Survey method was used to collect data of the current study. A convenience sample of 171 nurses was recruited from two UATHs and a sample of 98 nurses from two NUATHs.


RESULTS
There were significant differences between the two types of hospitals in terms of causes, percentage, and reporting of medication errors. More medication errors are committed in NUATHs, thus immediate interventions are needed. Nurses in NUATHs should be encouraged to report medication errors; those nurses were more subjected to disciplinary actions or at the risk of losing their jobs.


CONCLUSIONS
Medication errors are escalating, and is a matter that requires immediate interventions in all types of hospitals, especially in NUATHs. More reporting methods should be established in NUATHs.
Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan. mmrayyan@hu.edu.jo
Majd T
MT
Mrayyan
Nijmeh
N
Al-Atiyyat
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007597:Jordan; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012308:Risk Management; D055815:Young Adult