Understanding ICU nurses' attitudes toward medical errors and error reporting: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background:Patient care in the ICU setting is notoriously complex, leading to a higher frequency of medical errors. Despite extensive research on the causes, much remains unclear regarding nurses' attitudes toward medical errors and the barriers to reporting. The need for effective preventive solutions is urgent. Purpose:The primary goal of this study was to identify and analyze the main factors that influence nurses' attitudes toward medical errors and the barriers to reporting such errors. Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted from March to November 2022 with 228 ICU nurse participants. The conceptual model was based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. An online questionnaire was used to collect data on participants' demographic and professional characteristics and their medical error-related experiences. Participants' attitudes toward medical errors and error reporting were assessed using the Medical Errors Attitude Scale. Results:Although participants' attitudes toward medical errors and error reporting were positive overall, about half of nurses acknowledged that they had made a medical error and a large percentage of those had not reported it. Several variables were found to be significantly related to nurses' attitudes, including age, clinical position, willingness to be a nurse, willingness to continue working as an ICU nurse, job satisfaction, and attendance at relevant training or educational programs. Other factors also affected nurses' attitudes, including having made an error but not informing the charge nurse and the various reasons for this. Conclusions:The study findings indicate that although nurses generally have a good awareness of the importance of recognizing and reporting medical errors, more must be done. To prevent medical errors, we recommend prioritizing this topic in undergraduate education and training and in in-service workshops and improving the use of health care technologies. Policies that encourage error reporting without punishment, legal support for nurses, and the proactive engagement of nursing leadership are vital to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and patient safety.