Medication errors are considered one of the most common factors that harming patients. It has
important effects on increased length of hospitalization, increased mortality and costs. Prevalence rates range
widely from 0.2% to 90.6% reflecting differences in the type of medication errors (in the UK) this (incidence
and prevalence of this nursing problem. Aim of the study: was to evaluate the effect of instruction guidelines on
nurses' performance regarding medication errors & management and to assess the attitude of intern-nurses
about medication and its causes. Subjects and Methods: A quasi-experimental design with one group pre, post,
and follow-up was utilized to achieve the aim of the study. Setting: study was conducted in medical & surgical
departments at Benha University Hospital where intern-nurses were trained. Sample: All the available internnurses (200) who were enrolled in the internship year (2017-2018). Tools: two tools were used for data
collection, First tool: intern-nurses' structured Questionnaire: It consisted of two main parts; the first part: It
includes Intern-nurses' demographic data. The second part: to assess intern-nurses' knowledge & attitude
regarding medication errors, and its causes. Intern-Nurses' medication administration observational checklist.
Results: more than half of study subjects were a Secondary school, ranged from 22–˂ 23 years, female and
single, distributed in medical department, they did not have any previous training regarding medication
administration. There was a high statistical significant improvement in total level of intern-nurses' attitude and
performance after intervention both post and follow up program. Toward medication administration, there was
a positive statistical significant correlation between intern-nurses' attitude regarding causes of medication
errors and medication administration skills. Conclusion: There was a high statistical significant improvement
in total level of intern-nurses' attitude and performance after intervention both post and follow up program and
there was a positive statistical significant correlation between intern-nurses' attitude related to causes of
medication errors and medication administration skills. Recommendations: The study recommends that
instruction guidelines about medication administration & errors should be applied & evaluated periodically on
different nursing areas. |