Identification of medication errors by nurses during a simulated ward, medication safety orientation program

Aim: To assess the ability of nurses to identify medication errors and apply strategies to prevent adverse drug events. Method: This was a prospective study of the incidence of error detection in simulated medication scenarios at a teaching hospital. All newly employed registered nurses (n = 591) were asked to administer medications in six scenarios containing errors with potential for patient harm. Feedback was provided to participants at the end of each scenario. The main outcome measures were: self-reported incidence of detection of errors and modification of practice in accordance with knowledge, knowledge of concept but error not detected, or the error being a new concept. Results: 63 to 85% of nurses reported that they would have detected the error and taken appropriate action; 11 to 30% had some concept of the error but would not have detected it; and for 2 to 7% the error was a new concept. 32% could identify the errors in all six scenarios and initiate appropriate action. Conclusion: In this study, nurses frequently failed to detect medication errors. Practical medication risk awareness training, improvements in the safety of medication systems and pharmacist review of medication are of paramount importance