Frequency, Type and Causes of Medication Errors In Student Nurses

• Published in: نشریه پرستاری ایران Vol. 21; no. 53; pp. 17 - 27
• Main Authors: HR. Koohestani, N. Baghcheghi, SH. Khosravi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Persian
• Published: Iran University of Medical Sciences 01.09.2008
• Subjects: medication error; prevention; student nurse
• ISSN: 2008-5931

Background & Aim: Medication errors in healthcare environment are considered as a serious threat to patients' health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency, type and causes of medication errors of nursing students.   Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted in Arak University of Medical Sciences. Seventy six student were selected through census method of sampling. A questionnaire, consisting two sections of demographic information and questions about medication errors, was completed by students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.   Results: According to findings, 17.1 % of students reported medication errors and 43.42 % reported impending medication errors. The most common type of error was wrong dose of medication, the most common cause of which was poor pharmacologic knowledge. Heparin, Dopamin, Dubotamin, Vancomycin, Phenytoin and Captoprile were the most prevailing drugs about which the students reported errors.   Conclusion: Results showed that the rate of medication errors in nursing student was high. It seems that some causes of medication errors are related to poor pharmacological knowledge, drug calculation and so on. Acording to the results, it is imperative to realize the weak points of students or educational program and plan to resolve them.