Medications errors: knowledge and attitude of nurses in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of practicing nurses on medication administration and medication errors. A questionnaire assessing knowledge on medication errors and attitude of the staff towards medication errors was distributed to 170 nurses working in Gulf Medical College Hospital, Ajman. Analyses were made by appropriate statistical test procedures. In the present study, 67.1% possessed the qualification of GNM [explain] and the remaining were graduates. Twenty one questions were asked to elicit the knowledge regarding medication errors. Mean knowledge score was 15.1 +/- 2.6 among participants with graduate level education whereas it was 14.2 +/- 2.8 for those with GNM as education level. The years of clinical experience was categorized into five broad groups as less than 2 years, 2-4 years, 4-6 years, 6-8 years, and 8 years and above. Of the 170 nurses in the study, about 35% were with a clinical experience of 8 years and above followed by 22.9% in 2-4 years, 22.4% 4-6 years, 12.9% 6-8 years, and 6.5% with clinical experience less than 2 years respectively. The mean knowledge level of participants with less than 2 years of clinical experience was 13.9, whereas in those with more than 2 years of experience the mean knowledge level was 14.8. Knowledge of medication errors is similar across categories of participants with different durations of clinical experience and qualifications. More than 75% of Nurses strongly agrees to the fact that continuous education and up to date information of pharmacology are necessary to avoid medication errors

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders [WMSD] in hospital nurses: prevalence and coping strategies

This study aims to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and coping strategies towards reducing the risk for development of WMSDs. It attempts to identify the magnitude and characteristics of WMSDs and the perceived work-related ergonomic risk factors associated with nursing job responsibilities among hospital nurses. A pre-approved self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 200 nurses in the GMC hospital, Ajman. 147 completed and returned, with 74% response rate. 12 questionnaires were excluded because of incomplete data. Approximately 39% of the nurses have had WMSDs at least once during the working period. The 12-month period and point prevalence rate of WMSDs in any part of body was 38%. WMSDs occurred mostly in low back [29.0%], ankle [20.0%], shoulder [14.8%] and knees [13.3%]. 35.5% treated themselves or had visited other health practitioners for care. Working in awkward and cramped positions [54.1%], working in the same positions for long periods [51.1%] and lifting or transferring dependent patients [41.4%] were the job-related factors most perceived as risks for WMSDs. The top three coping strategies suggested were modifying patient's /nurses position [58.5%], modifying nursing procedures to avoid re-injury [45.9%], and adjusting plinth/bed height to change the posture [45.1%]. The prevalence of WMSDs among hospital nurses was nearly 40%, and over 50% were at risk of developing WMSDs. The low back and the ankle joint were the most common sites of the disorder. Education programs on the prevention and coping strategies for WMSDs are recommended for the nurses in order to promote efficiency in patient care

Medication errors: Knowledge and attitude of nurses in Ajman, UAE

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of practicing nurses on medication administration and medication errors

Materials and Methods: A questionnaire assessing knowledge on medication errors and attitude of the staff towards medication errors was distributed to 170 nurses working in Gulf Medical College Hospital, Ajman. Analyses were made by appropriate statistical test procedures

Results: In the present study, 67.1% possessed the qualification of GNM [explain] and the remaining were graduates. Twenty one questions were asked to elicit the knowledge regarding medication errors. Mean knowledge score was 15.1 +/-2.6 among participants with graduate level education whereas it was 14.2+2.8 for those with GNM as education level

The years of clinical experience was categorized into five broad groups as less than 2 years, 2-4 years, 4-6 years, 6-8 years, and 8 years and above. Of the 170 nurses in the study, about 35% were with a clinical experience of 8 years and above followed by 22.9% in 2-4 years, 22.4% 4-6 years, 12.9% 6-8 years, and 6.5% with clinical experience less than 2 years respectively. The mean knowledge level of participants with less than 2 years of clinical experience was 13.9, whereas in those with more than 2 years of experience the mean knowledge level was 14.8

Conclusion: Knowledge of medication errors is similar across categories of participants with different durations of clinical experience and qualifications. More than 75% of Nurses strongly agrees to the fact that continuous education and up to date information of pharmacology are necessary to avoid medication errors

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders [WMSD] in hospital nurses: Prevalence and coping strategies

Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and coping strategies towards reducing the risk for development of WMSDs. It attempts to identify the magnitude and characteristics of WMSDs and the perceived work-related ergonomic risk factors associated with nursing job responsibilities among hospital nurses

Materials and Methods: A pre-approved self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 200 nurses in the GMC hospital, Ajman. 147 completed and returned, with 74% response rate. 12 questionnaires were excluded because of incomplete data

Results: Approximately 39% of the nurses have had WMSDs at least once during the working period. The 12-month period and point prevalence rate of WMSDs in any part of body was 38%. WMSDs occurred mostly in low back [29.0%], ankle [20.0%], shoulder [14.8%] and knees [13.3%]. 35.5% treated themselves or had visited other health practitioners for care

Working in awkward and cramped positions [54.1%], working in the same positions for long periods [51.1%], and lifting or transferring dependent patients [41.4%] were the job-related factors most perceived as risks for WMSDs. The top three coping strategies suggested were modifying patient's /nurses position [58.5%], modifying nursing procedures to avoid re-injury [45.9%], and adjusting plinth/bed height to change the posture [45.1%]

Conclusion: The prevalence of WMSDs among hospital nurses was nearly 40%, and over 50% were at risk of developing WMSDs. The low back and the ankle joint were the most common sites of the disorder. Education programs on the prevention and coping strategies for WMSDs are recommended for the nurses in order to promote efficiency in patient care