Perceptions on Medication Administration Errors (MAEs) Among Nurses
at the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC)

ABSTRACT 

BACKGROUND

Medication administration errors (MAEs) pose a significant threat to public health, resulting in patient harm, fatalities, and increased healthcare costs. Nurses, being central to the medication process, may be particularly susceptible to committing such errors due to the challenging work environment they operate in.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore nurses’ perceptions of MAEs and barriers to reporting using the Medication Administration Error Reporting Survey.

METHODS

A quantitative, descriptive study employing a cross-sectional research design was conducted, with data analyzed using Stata 12. A total of 240 respondents participated, yielding an overall response rate of 79.17%.

RESULTS

Key findings revealed that the most frequent reason for MAEs according to the nurses was physicians’ medication orders are not legible (4.67 ± 1.21), unit staffing levels are inadequate (4.63 ± 1.45), and physicians’ medication orders are not clear (4.48 ± 1.20), respectively. The most frequent reason for unreported MAEs was when med errors occur, nursing administration focuses on the individual rather than looking at the systems as a potential cause of the error (4.95 ± 4.33), nurses could be blamed if something happens to the patient as a result of the medication error (4.29 ± 1.48), and no positive feedback is given for passing medications correctly (4.22 ± 1.50), respectively. The highest prevalent non-IV related MAEs included wrong time of administration (M = 3.02 ± 2.37), medication administered after the order to discontinue has been written (M = 2.60 ± 2.11), and medication is omitted (M = 2.48 ± 1.97), all with 0-20% of reported non-IV MAEs. The highest prevalent IV related MAEs included wrong time of administration (M = 2.76 ± 2.29), medication administered after the order to discontinue has been written (M = 2.45 ± 2.01), and medication is omitted (M = 2.28 ± 1.95). More than half (n = 95, % = 54.29) of the respondents stated that 0-20% of all types of medication errors, including IV and non-IV medication errors are actually reported.

CONCLUSION

This study sheds light on factors contributing to MAEs, reasons for underreporting, and the extent of reporting within the institution. The findings underscore the importance of addressing nurses’ attitudes towards reporting systems and implementing preventive measures. Collaboration among physicians, pharmacists, and nurses is crucial in mitigating MAEs and ensuring patient safety.