NURSES’ AND PHARMACY TECHNICIANS’ PERSPECTIVES ON MEDICATION SAFETY IN SAUDI HOSPITALS: A FOCUS GROUP STUDY
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Abstract
Medication errors pose major risks to patient safety, underscoring the need to understand influencing factors. This qualitative study explored perspectives of nurses and pharmacy technicians on medication safety through focus groups. 48 participants including 24 nurses and 24 technicians from 3 hospitals in Saudi Arabia completed 6 interprofessional focus groups. Inductive thematic analysis revealed key issues encompassing workload strains, communication breakdowns across shifts and units, ambiguities in ordering and administration processes, staff knowledge deficits, and hierarchical team dynamics inhibiting speaking up about concerns. Participants emphasized needs for team training, protocols clarity, enhanced technology use, improved staffing, and open communication to promote medication safety. A multifaceted intervention encompassing technology enhancements, process improvements, staff education, and team building initiatives is recommended to reduce risks based on results.
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References
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