NURSES’ PERCEPTIONS TOWARD MEDICATION ERRORS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

In healthcare contexts, medication administration errors (MAEs) pose a substantial patient safety challenge, particularly for nurses who are responsible for medication delivery. The objective of this investigation was to investigate the perceptions of MAEs among nurses in Saudi Arabia, as well as to identify the factors that contribute to these perceptions and to devise strategies to improve patient safety. Five germane studies published between 2021 and 2024 were identified through a systematic literature evaluation. The analysis identified four predominant themes: the influence of MAEs on patient safety, nurses' perceptions of error prevalence, the factors that contribute to medication errors, and proposed strategies for error reduction. The results showed that a significant number of nurses reported experiencing MAEs; however, many nurses were hesitant to disclose them due to the perception of culpability and the lack of adequate support systems. High responsibilities, inadequate training, and systemic deficiencies were among the contributing factors. The recommended strategies to reduce these errors included the enhancement of medication awareness, the cultivation of a culture of safety, and the enhancement of training programs for nurses. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing the knowledge and reporting practices disparities among nurses in order to enhance the quality of care and overall patient safety in Saudi Arabian healthcare systems. These insights are essential for the purpose of fostering a secure healthcare environment and guiding targeted interventions.