Knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals on prescribing errors

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals on prescribing errors. Methods This was a cross-sectional study employing a questionnaire that consisted of 12 items on knowledge and 10 items on healthcare professionals’ attitudes toward errors in prescribing process. The participants responded to the questionnaire with a 5-Likert scale of agreement. The domains assessed in the questionnaire were respondents’ knowledge and attitudes on prescribing errors, professionals responsible for the errors, and professionals’ competence on drug dose adjustment. Additionally, the questionnaire had two case scenarios to further assess the healthcare professionals’ knowledge of prescribing errors. There were 300 questionnaires administered to physicians, nurses, and pharmacists who attended conferences in Denpasar from July to October 2019. Results There were 30 physicians, 58 nurses, and 69 pharmacists who responded to the survey. A response rate of 52.3% (157/300) was obtained. All healthcare professionals agreed that errors may occur in prescribing, dispensing, and administration process. All healthcare professionals understood that physician is responsible for ensuring drug safety in prescribing process and also supported a standardized form on drugs which may need drug dose personalization. Concerning item on the importance of collaboration in drug dose adjustment, although the healthcare professionals agreed on the statement, they had significant differences on the level agreement on the statement (p=0.029). The healthcare professionals also supported having regular training on drug dose adjustment based on individual patients’ regimentation. The healthcare professionals’ responses showed that the significant differences found on the statement of healthcare professionals should have competency on personalized dose calculation (p<0.001). All healthcare professionals agreed that physicians should have competency on drug dose adjustment, yet physicians showed less agreement that other health professionals should have the competency. Conclusions All healthcare professionals understood that medication errors may occur during the prescribing process but showed different attitudes on professionals who had competence in drug dose calculation. They emphasize the need to have a standardized prescription format for medication with dose changes. The respondents also recommend having regular training on medication safety for healthcare professionals.