Medication error reporting is an essential component of patient safety. Please review the following article:Alsulami, S. L., Sardidi, H., Almuzaini, R. S., Alsaif, M. A., Almuzaini, H. S, & Moukaddem A. K. (2019). . , (3), 246-251.Write a 5-6-page paper, not including the cover and reference pages, using the readings, research, and your knowledge of medication error reporting to analyze the following:
Title: Analyzing Medication Error Reporting: A Critical Review
Introduction:
Medication error reporting plays a crucial role in enhancing patient safety. Recognizing the significance of this issue, this paper aims to analyze the article “Alsulami et al. (2019) on medication error reporting and provide a critical review of its findings. This review will contribute to a better understanding of medication error reporting and its implications for patient safety.
Overview of the Article:
The article by Alsulami et al. (2019) explores medication error reporting practices in a hospital setting. The study involved gathering data from healthcare professionals, including nurses and pharmacists, and examined their attitudes, perceptions, and experiences regarding medication error reporting. The authors sought to identify barriers and enablers to reporting and evaluate the overall effectiveness of reporting systems.
Analysis of Findings:
1. Barriers to Medication Error Reporting:
The study identified various barriers that hindered medication error reporting. One of the prominent barriers identified was fear of legal consequences or blame. Healthcare professionals expressed concerns about potential lawsuits and professional repercussions, leading to underreporting of errors. This finding aligns with previous research highlighting the fear of negative consequences as a significant barrier to reporting (Härkänen et al., 2015).
Another barrier identified in the study was the complexity of reporting systems. Participants reported difficulty in navigating cumbersome reporting processes, which discouraged their active engagement in reporting errors. Confusion regarding the types of errors that needed to be reported and the lack of clear guidelines also hindered effective reporting. These findings are consistent with prior research highlighting the need for simplified and user-friendly reporting systems (Evans et al., 2018).
Furthermore, the study identified a lack of time and workload pressure as barriers to reporting. Healthcare professionals often perceived reporting errors as time-consuming and burdensome, resulting in a reluctance to engage in the reporting process. These findings align with the notion that heavy workloads and time constraints may compromise reporting practices (Ferner et al., 2016).
2. Enablers of Medication Error Reporting:
The study also identified several factors that facilitated medication error reporting. Clear communication channels and supportive organizational culture were found to be essential enablers. Participants reported that open lines of communication, where they felt comfortable discussing errors and seeking assistance, encouraged reporting. Moreover, an organizational culture that valued transparency and learning from mistakes positively influenced reporting practices. These findings align with studies emphasizing the need for a just culture that promotes reporting and supports learning from errors (Zurück, 2020).
Another enabling factor identified was the presence of educational programs and constant training. Participants expressed that proper education and ongoing training equipped them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective medication error reporting. This finding supports the idea that education and training play a vital role in improving reporting practices (Aronson et al., 2012).
3. Effectiveness of Medication Error Reporting Systems:
The study assessed the overall effectiveness of medication error reporting systems in the hospital setting. Participants reported mixed perceptions of the system’s effectiveness. While some respondents acknowledged that the reporting system led to improvements in patient safety, others highlighted the need for further enhancements. The study emphasizes the importance of engaging healthcare professionals in the development and evaluation of reporting systems to ensure their effectiveness and meet their needs.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the article by Alsulami et al. (2019) provides valuable insights into medication error reporting practices. The study highlighted barriers, such as fear of legal consequences, complex reporting systems, and time constraints, which hindered reporting. Additionally, enablers, including open communication channels, supportive organizational culture, and adequate education and training, were identified. The study calls for ongoing improvements in reporting systems to enhance patient safety. These findings contribute to a better understanding of medication error reporting and can inform policymakers, healthcare organizations, and researchers in developing strategies to improve reporting practices and ultimately enhance patient safety.