Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.9.1.4
Exploring nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of medication errors in a general hospital in Malta – A cross-sectional survey
Natalya Schiavone
; University of Malta, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department
Corinne Scicluna Ward
orcid.org/0000-0003-3818-8136
; University of Malta, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department
*
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Background: Medication errors (MEs) continue to pose a
significant risk to patient safety despite established safety
measures. Nurses are central to administering medications,
and their knowledge, experience, and work environment
influence both the likelihood of errors and whether they are
reported. This study explored nurses’ perspectives on MEs,
reporting practices, and barriers to reporting in a general
hospital in Malta.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted
using an anonymous online questionnaire informed by the
Theory of Planned Behaviour. Of the 429 nurses invited, 301
completed the survey (response rate 70.2%). The questionnaire
addressed the prevalence of MEs, reporting behaviours,
knowledge of medications, perceived contributing factors,
and attitudes towards reporting. Descriptive and inferential
statistics were used to analyse the data.
Results: Most nurses (88%, n = 265/301) reported having made
at least one medication error. Reporting was inconsistent: 54%
(n = 163/301) had never reported an error, 35% (n = 105/301)
reported some, and only 11.6% (n = 35/301) reported all
incidents. The area of work was significantly linked to perceived
barriers and reporting behaviour. Nurses in reliever pools
(92.6%), medical wards (89.9%), and surgical wards (79.7%)
were more likely to feel concerns or barriers about reporting.
Reporting practices also varied by area, with lower reporting in
paediatric (36.8%) and orthopaedic wards (44.0%) and higher
reporting in reliever pools (67.9%). While most nurses valued
reporting (89%, n = 268/301), only 34% (n = 102/301) would
report errors causing no harm, and 78% (n = 235/301) were
reluctant to report colleagues.
Conclusions: The findings reveal that MEs are common and
underreported. Knowledge gaps, communication challenges,
and systemic issues such as staffing shortages create barriers
to safe medication management. Fear of repercussions
further discourages reporting, highlighting the need for
supportive, transparent practices. Hospitals should foster
a non-punitive reporting culture, strengthen training, and
improve interprofessional communication. Addressing these
challenges can reduce medication errors and enhance patient
safety and care quality.
Ključne riječi
Medication errors; Error reporting; Reporting barriers; Nurses’ knowledge; Attitudes and perceptions; Patient safety
Hrčak ID:
349702
URI
Datum izdavanja:
31.5.2026.
Posjeta: 1 *