Zohreh Hosseini-Marznaki1, Somaye Pouy2, Waliu Jawula Salisu3, Amir Emami Zeydi4. 1. Amol Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , Sari, Iran. 2. Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran, Rasht, Iran. 3. Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Tehran, Iran. 4. Nasibeh School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Sari, Iran.
Abstract
Objectives: Medication errors (MEs) made by nurses are the most common errors in emergency departments (EDs). Identifying the factors responsible for MEs is crucial in designing optimal strategies towards reducing such occurrences. The present study aimed to review the literature describing the prevalence and factors affecting MEs among emergency ward nurses in Iran. Methods: We searched electronic databases, including Scientific Information Database [SID], PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for scientific studies conducted among emergency ward nurses in Iran. The studies were restricted to full-text, peer-reviewed, and published from inception to December 2019, in the Persian and English languages. Also, studies should have evaluated MEs among emergency ward nurses in Iran. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of the nurses committed MEs only once 58.68%. The overall mean rate of MEs was 46.19%, with the highest reports of MEs occurring during drug administration, with an incidence rate of 41.7%. The most common type of administration error is drug omission 17.8%, followed by administering drugs at the wrong time, 17.5%, and incorrect dosage 10.59%. The lack of adequate nurse workforce during shifts and improper nurse-patient ratios were the most critical factors affecting the occurrence of MEs by nurses. Conclusion: : Despite the increased attention on patient safety in Iran, MEs by nurses remain a significant concern in EDs. Therefore, nurse managers and policymakers must take adequate measures to reduce the incidence of MEs and its potential negative consequences.
Objectives: Medication errors (MEs) made by nurses are the most common errors in emergency departments (EDs). Identifying the factors responsible for MEs is crucial in designing optimal strategies towards reducing such occurrences. The present study aimed to review the literature describing the prevalence and factors affecting MEs among emergency ward nurses in Iran. Methods: We searched electronic databases, including Scientific Information Database [SID], PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for scientific studies conducted among emergency ward nurses in Iran. The studies were restricted to full-text, peer-reviewed, and published from inception to December 2019, in the Persian and English languages. Also, studies should have evaluated MEs among emergency ward nurses in Iran. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of the nurses committed MEs only once 58.68%. The overall mean rate of MEs was 46.19%, with the highest reports of MEs occurring during drug administration, with an incidence rate of 41.7%. The most common type of administration error is drug omission 17.8%, followed by administering drugs at the wrong time, 17.5%, and incorrect dosage 10.59%. The lack of adequate nurse workforce during shifts and improper nurse-patient ratios were the most critical factors affecting the occurrence of MEs by nurses. Conclusion: : Despite the increased attention on patient safety in Iran, MEs by nurses remain a significant concern in EDs. Therefore, nurse managers and policymakers must take adequate measures to reduce the incidence of MEs and its potential negative consequences.