Nursing-Related Factors in Medication Errors Occurrence

9 Nursing-Related Factors in Medication Errors Occurrence 

Written prescription quality is another important factor, because often the nursing staff comes across poorly written and even illegible prescriptions that generate a potential for the occurrence of medication errors. Nurses workload and staffing level is also an important factor because the workload carried by the nurses and the shortage of nursing manpower affect the rate of occurrence of medication errors [23-25]. The failure to adhere to policies 

Some of the main nursing-related factors in the occurrence of medication errors. 

Nursing shifts is an important factor as shown by various studies [23,27,28] conducted over the years that indicate that a variety of working conditions, including shift rotation, directly or indirectly contribute to the occurrence of various types of medication errors. 

Nurses mathematical skills are another important factor, as mathematical skills are essential to perform nursing functions such as intravenous regulations and medication calculations [29]. Poor mathematical skills of the nursing staff have resulted in various types of medication errors [29,30]. Often distractions and interruptions are cited as one of the main factors in the occurrence of nursing staff-related medication errors [23,31]. A survey of 175 nurses revealed that around 32% of them believe that frequent distractions or interruptions contribute to the occurrence of medication errors by the nursing staff [25]. 

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