An evaluation of awareness about medication error among paramedical staff working at tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Medication error is most common medical error and which is also under-reported particularly in developing countries. It can cause serious harm to the patients in several settings, particularly in hospitals. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to bring awareness among paramedical staff about medication error and to encourage them to report medication. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based-cross sectional study conducted over 6 months of duration in tertiary care hospital in 100 paramedical staff. Results: Out of 100 participants, majority of them (91%) knows about term medication error. Only 26% participants know how to report medication error in our hospital. Three-fourth (75%) do not know where to report, while 22% believes that it is professional obligation to report medication error. The majority of participants 88% agree that proper communication between health-care professionals minimizes medication error. About 77% participants believe that there is a need of independent body/committee for medication error in hospital. About 87% participants recommended training or CME about medication error in health-care professionals. Conclusion: The majority of participants had basic knowledge about medication error but lacuna on the reporting of medication error was noted. Continued medication education among paramedical staff may improver reporting.