Authors
- Natalya Schiavone – Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, University of Malta, Malta
- Corinne Scicluna Ward – Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, University of Malta, Malta
DOI
https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.9.1.4
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Background: Medication errors (MEs) continue to pose a significant risk to patient safety despite established safety measures. Nurses play a central role in medication administration, and their knowledge, experience, and work environment influence both the likelihood of errors and whether they are reported. This study explored nurses’ perspectives on MEs, reporting practices, and barriers to reporting in a general hospital in Malta.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire informed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Of the 429 nurses invited, 301 completed the survey (response rate 70.2%). The questionnaire assessed the prevalence of medication errors, reporting behaviours, medication knowledge, perceived contributing factors, and attitudes toward reporting. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.
Results: Most nurses (88%, n = 265/301) reported having made at least one medication error. Reporting was inconsistent: 54% (n = 163/301) had never reported an error, 35% (n = 105/301) reported some errors, and only 11.6% (n = 35/301) reported all incidents. Work area was significantly associated with perceived barriers and reporting behaviour. Nurses in reliever pools (92.6%), medical wards (89.9%), and surgical wards (79.7%) were more likely to report concerns or barriers to reporting. Reporting practices also varied by area, with lower reporting observed in paediatric (36.8%) and orthopaedic wards (44.0%), and higher reporting in reliever pools (67.9%). While most nurses valued incident reporting (89%, n = 268/301), only 34% (n = 102/301) would report errors causing no harm, and 78% (n = 235/301) expressed reluctance to report colleagues.
Conclusions: The findings show that medication errors are common and underreported. Knowledge gaps, communication challenges, and systemic issues such as staffing shortages create barriers to safe medication management. Fear of repercussions further discourages reporting, highlighting the need for supportive and transparent reporting systems. Hospitals should foster a non-punitive reporting culture, strengthen training, and improve interprofessional communication. Addressing these challenges can reduce medication errors and improve patient safety and care quality.
Keywords:
Medication errors, error reporting, reporting barriers, nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions, patient safety.