Medication Errors by Novice Nurses in a Pediatric Setting of Pakistan: Analysis of Problem and Proposed Solutions

Hirani, Shela Akbar Ali

Wednesday, 1 August 2012

Shela Akbar Ali Hirani, MScN, BScN
School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

Learning Objective 1: Identify the common causes of medication errors among novice nurses in a pediatric setting of Pakistan

Learning Objective 2: Gain insight about importance of introducing the innovation in Pediatric nursing education to reduce medication errors among novice pediatric nurses

Purpose: Pediatric setting is one of the most vulnerable clinical setups where medication errors can result in serious consequences for young children. As medication errors have been reported among pediatric nurses in Pakistan, therefore, while utilizing the problem solving approach, this paper analyzes the issue of medication errors among novice nurses in a pediatric setting in Pakistan.

Methods: The issue has been analyzed and solutions have been proposed after reviewing the relevant literature and discussing the issue with novice pediatric nurses, nurse managers, and nurse educators at the identified setting.

Results : It was analyzed that the most common causes of medication errors among novice pediatric nurses were lack of adequate knowledge, gaps in training, complexity of procedures in Pediatric medication, workload, and distraction. After weighing various alternatives that could solve this issue, it was inferred that the incidents of medication error among novice pediatric nurse could be prevented by bridging the theory-practice gap.

Conclusion: To reduce medication errors among novice pediatric nurses in Pakistan, there is a need to introduce innovation in the Pediatric nursing education being offered by nursing schools and hospital based nursing education services.

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