Background and purpose: Medication errors, which are more commonly committed by nursing staff compared to other hospital personnel, can lead to severe and sometimes irreparable complications for patients. This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to medication errors among nurses in selected hospitals affiliated with Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021. A total of 302 nurses were selected from four teaching hospitals affiliated with Yazd University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire designed to examine medication errors across three domains: managerial, human, and environmental factors. Data analysis was performed using t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient with SPSS version 26 software.
Results: Managerial factors emerged as the most significant contributors to medication errors. The leading causes of errors within the managerial, human, and environmental domains were: nurse shortages relative to patient numbers (mean ± SD: 4.34 ± 2.44), fatigue due to workload (4.17 ± 0.98), and high work density during shifts (6–12 hours), respectively. A statistically significant relationship was observed between environmental factors and gender (p=0.008)
Conclusion: Strategies to mitigate fatigue from workload, such as balancing nurses' shifts and increasing staffing levels, are recommended to enhance nurses' performance and reduce errors. Additionally, developing standardized protocols, implementing continuous monitoring of medication administration, and fostering a culture of teamwork are critical in minimizing medication errors.
