Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses Regarding Medication Errors at Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, Swat

Abstract

Aims: Medication errors (MEs) are a significant concern in healthcare systems globally, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Nurses, as primary caregivers, play a crucial role in ensuring safe medication administration, yet often face challenges due to systemic inefficiencies.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals (SGTH), Swat, between October 20 and November 20, 2024. Data were collected from 200 registered nurses using structured, closed-ended questionnaires focused on assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (CAP) regarding medication safety.

Results: The findings revealed that 97% of nurses routinely checked medication expiry dates, and 93.3% emphasized the importance of reporting errors. However, approximately one-third reported inadequate staffing. A total of 136 medication errors were documented during the study, with dosing errors (27.21%) and incomplete prescriptions (25.74%) being the most common.

Conclusion: Although nurses at SGTH exhibit strong knowledge and a generally positive attitude towards medication safety, systemic barriers such as staffing shortages and increased workload hinder the consistent implementation of safe practices. Targeted training, supportive policies, and improved institutional resources are recommended to mitigate medication errors and enhance patient safety.