Exploration of the barriers of reporting nursing errors in intensive care units: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the barriers to reporting nursing errors in intensive care units in Iranian hospitals. Methods: A descriptive qualitative analysis design was used. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 16 nurses working in four general intensive care units in Kurdistan province, Iran. Interviews were transcribed and finally analysed through conventional content analysis. Results: There are four major barriers to the reporting of errors by nurses working in Iranian critical care units: (a) saving professional reputation and preventing stigma; (b) fear of consequences – punishment, legal problems and organisational misconduct; (c) feelings of insecurity – pointing a finger at nurses and lack of managerial support and (d) not investigating the root cause of error. Conclusions: The findings revealed the need to support and provide security to nurses and to consider and find the cause of error occurrence. Managers must provide the required personal, professional and legal support for nurses to encourage them to effectively report errors, discover the root cause of errors and take measures to prevent them.