Medication errors at intensive care units: nurses' knowledge and attitudes

Abstract

Medication errors are among the most frequent causes of adverse events in hospitals. They occur more frequently at intensive care units (ICUs) than other types of hospital departments. Aim: The main objective of this study was to determine the level of nurses‘ knowledge about correct use of medications at ICUs. Methods: A questionnaire regarding high‑risk medications was used to evaluate nurses‘ knowledge, and the experienced administration errors were reported by nurses working at ICUs for adult patients. Results: A total of 240 respondents participated in the research. As far as their knowledge, in 23 % was found sufficient and in 63 % relatively sufficient. University‑educated nurses achieved an average grade of 1.86 while secondary‑educated nurses achieved an average mark of 2.02 (p < 0.05). Less than 23% of respondents experienced medication error at their workplace and 5 % of the re‑ spondents admitted committing such error themselves. Conclusions: While the knowledge of ICU nurses about medications is good, the reluctance to report medication errors re‑ mains apparent