Effect of Medication Safety Guidelines on Prevention of Medication Errors among Nurses in the Intensive Care Unit

Ibrahim Abd Elgwad, Shimaa; Fouad Abdallah, Kamelia; Khalil, Basma

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2022.251535

Effect of Medication Safety Guidelines on Prevention of Medication Errors among Nurses in the Intensive Care Unit

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Lecturer Medical Surgical Nursing, Kfrelsheikh University

² Professor of Medical Surgical Nursing- Ain Shams University

³ Assistant Professor of Medical Surgical Nursing- Ain Shams University

10.21608/ejhc.2022.251535

Abstract

Background: Problems with medication are often referred to medication errors. Its effect on
patient results in harm as it can vary widely. This depends on the particular knowledge and practices
of nurses, as well as how the problem is picked up. Both serious and non-serious errors are often
referred to as preventable incidents. So, medication errors that are commonly occurring among
nurses in the intensive care units (ICU) can be prevented by improving nursing performance during
the medication administration process. Aim: To assess the effect of medication safety guidelines on
prevention of medication errors among nurses in the intensive care unit. Setting: This study was
conducted at Kfr elsheikh University Hospital, in three main units Medical, surgical & Cardiac
ICUs. Sampling: A convenient sample of 59 nurses working in the mentioned setting. Tools: Two
tools were used for data collection. First tool: A self-administered questionnaire consisted of two
parts. Part I concerned with nurses’ demographic data. Part II concerned with nurses’ knowledge
assessment. Second tool: Nurses’ practice observational checklist. Results: There was a highly
significant difference between pre and post intervention using medication safety guidelines in
relation to knowledge (p value= 0.000), practice (p value = 0.000) and medication errors (p value =
0.000) Conclusion: The application of medication safety guidelines had a statistically significant
positive effect on the studied nurses’ knowledge and practice and consequently decreased the
frequency rate of all medication errors’ types; which support the stated research hypothesis.
Recommendations: The study recommended that; arranging continuous educational programs for
nurses, construction of training endeavours based on the identified gaps to respond to unmet needs
of nurses, and building a safety culture in health care setting.

Keywords