Magnitude and associated factors of medication administration error among nurses working in Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia
Enyew Getaneh Mekonen, Mignote Hailu Gebrie, Senetsehuf Melkamu Jemberie
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Medication administration errors (MAEs) are common health problems that threaten patient safety and raise mortality rates, duration of hospital stay, and cost of services. It also influences healthcare professionals performing the procedure and healthcare organizations. Its prevalence in Ethiopia is high ranging from 51.8% to 90.8%. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of MAE among nurses at Northwest Amhara Region Referral Hospitals. METHODS: Values <.05 and adjusted odds ratios were used to declare the significance and strength of the association. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-eight (54%) of the respondents made MAEs in the last 12 months. Only 10 (5%) of the 200 observed nurses were administered medications without any breach in any of the six rights of medication administration. Factors like poor knowledge (AOR = 5.98; 95% CI (2.39,14.94)), poor communication (AOR = 2.94; 95% CI (1.34, 6.46)), stress (AOR = 5.41; 95% CI (2.53, 11.57)), interruption during medication administration (AOR = 4.70, 95% CI (2.42, 9.10)), and night shift (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI (1.42, 5.46)) were significantly associated with MAE. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of MAE was high. Poor knowledge, poor communication, stress, night shift, and interruption were significantly associated with MAEs. Strengthening institutional medication administration regulations and guidelines and minimizing interruption during medication administration would help minimize MAEs.