Asim Ahmed Elnour
UAE University-United Arab Emirates
Title: Medication errors: the perspective of a clinical pharmacist
Biography
Biography: Asim Ahmed Elnour
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We have designed and implemented an educational program to raise the awareness of in-patient nursing staff about medication errors. METHOD: A sample of in-patient nursing staff (n = 370) has completed a self-reported questionnaire about medication errors. A structured program was developed and used by the clinical pharmacist to evaluate the nursing knowledge on medication errors. The program consisted of a pre/post self-reported questionnaire, a training service, educational material, successive presentations and handouts. The self-reported questionnaire included twenty closed questions asking nurses opinions about medication errors. A training program on medication safety (Med Safe tool) was carried out by clinical pharmacists and quality coordinator nurse, for each group of 10 nurses. Main outcome measure The study outcomes were the change in mean scores pre and post intervention. RESULTS: Findings revealed differences in the knowledge of nurses about the causes and reporting of medication errors. There were statistically significant differences in responses across the participant's years of experience and the current clinical working area. The participant's responses improved significantly [57.4% +/- 8.2, (95%CI: 56.6-58.2) vs. 68.9 +/- 10.3, (95%CI: 67.8-69.9); P < 0.05] pre and post questionnaire respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical pharmacist's structured program has improved knowledge of the in-patient nursing staff in terms of raising their awareness about medication errors.