How aware are HCPs about medication errors in oncology practice?

The level of awareness regarding medication errors (MEs) is good to average among most healthcare professionals (HCPs) in a cancer hospital, reports a study. 

"MEs are preventable incidents that can result in harm to patients,” the investigators said. “Therefore, it is essential for HCPs to be well-informed about MEs.” 

A 17-item self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the awareness of HCPs of the fundamental aspects of MEs, ME reporting system, and their ability to make recommendations for improving the system for handling MEs obtained both before and after 2 weeks of educational intervention administration. 

Overall, 114 HCPs participated in the study, but six dropped after the intervention. Awareness levels in the class A questionnaire were good in most physicians (60 percent), nurses (60 percent), and pharmacists (57 percent) prior to the intervention. This improved postintervention, with physicians (80 percent), nurses (32 percent), and pharmacists (78 percent) showing excellent awareness. 

In the class B questionnaire, the awareness level also improved to excellent among physicians (70 percent), nurses (85 percent), and pharmacists (85 percent) following the intervention. However, it was excellent only in 50 percent of physicians, 1 percent of nurses, and 35 percent of pharmacists before the intervention. 

In the class C questionnaire, awareness was good in 40 percent of physicians and 60 percent of nurses, while 35 percent of pharmacists demonstrated excellent awareness preintervention. After the intervention, most physicians (70 percent), nurses (77 percent), and pharmacists (64 percent) displayed excellent awareness. 

“Clinical pharmacists’ educational interventions can significantly enhance awareness among HCPs concerning MEs,” the investigators said.