Prevalence and Risk Factors for Medication Administration Errors: A Study at the Tamale Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Medication Administration Errors (MAEs) pose a critical challenge to patient safety globally, leading to adverse outcomes such as morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Despite their significance, studies on MAEs in Northern Ghana remain limited, necessitating further research to address this gap and guide interventions for improved patient safety Objective: To assess the prevalence and identify risk factors of MAEs among nurses at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed, using structured questionnaires to collect data on MAEs and their associated risk factors. Proportional stratified random sampling was used to recruit respondents from various units of the hospital, ensuring representation across different wards. Descriptive statistical methods were applied to determine prevalence rates and identify reasons contributing to MAEs. Logistic regression was used to find the association between individual factors and frequency of MAEs occurrence. Results: MAE prevalence was 82.8% in the preceding year, with wrong timing, monitoring, and assessment as the most frequent errors. Key risk factors included electronic system disruptions (LHIMS: 93%; unexplained failures: 88.8%), inadequate training (88.1%), and high workload (82.3%). Despite higher MAE rates in ICU/dialysis units, Welch’s ANOVA showed no significant difference across units [F(8, 70.67) = 1.42, p = 0.203]. Nurses with Certificate/Diploma qualifications had higher odds of MAEs compared to BSc/Master’s holders [AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.42–3.03], while those aged 40–49 had 51% lower odds than the 20–29 age group [AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.24–0.97]. Training on medication administrations reduced MAEs odds by 59% [AOR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.28–0.61]. Conclusion: MAEs at TTH are driven by systemic issues like workflow disruptions and training gaps. Prioritizing staffing optimization, targeted training, and health information system improvements could mitigate errors and enhance safety.