KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING MEDICATION ERROR AMONG REGISTERED NURSES AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF BANNU, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Medication Errors Among Registered Nurses at Tertiary Care Hospitals of Bannu, Pakistan

Background: In the medical field, medication errors are a serious problem that can have a negative impact on patient outcomes. Improving patient safety and lowering the frequency of medication errors requires an understanding of registered nurses' (RNs') knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Objective: This study aims to assess the KAP related to medication errors among RNs in tertiary care hospitals in Bannu, Pakistan.

Methods: A sample of registered nurses employed in different departments of particular tertiary care hospitals participated in a cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire intended to assess participants' attitudes regarding reporting medication errors, their knowledge of medication errors, and their present drug delivery methods was used to gather data. To find trends and correlations, statistical analysis was done.

Results: Intriguing differences in staff demographics that could affect patient care dynamics were found in the study, which was carried out across three hospitals. The largest age group at KGN Teaching Hospital was 25–35 years old, making up 41.67% of the workforce. Of them, 72.22% were female. With nurses accounting for an astounding 88.89% of the workforce, they were well-represented in this group, underscoring the vital role that nursing plays in the healthcare team. In contrast, the age distribution of the staff at DHQ Teaching Hospital was comparable, with 36.0 percent of them being between the ages of 20 and 25. Nursing professionals made up 92.00% of the workforce, with female employees accounting for 64.00%, underscoring the facility's nursing preponderance. On the other hand, Women and Children Hospital had a higher percentage of employees between the ages of 25 and 35 (55.56%), with 81.48% of the workforce being female. Additionally, 81.48% of the positions at this hospital were in nursing, demonstrating the critical role that nursing staff play in providing specialized care.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes that in order to improve nurses' understanding and confidence in administering medications, certain educational interventions and legislative changes are required. Reducing prescription errors and promoting open reporting can improve the safety culture and, eventually, the quality of patient care at Bannu's medical institutions.