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 intern-nurses (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. |
