Evaluation of Nurses' Attitudes Toward Medical Errors

Abstract

Aim: This study was realized with the aim to evaluate nurses' attitudes toward medical errors. Method: Data were collected from 149 nurses in a university hospital in Turkey, using the Scale of Attitudes toward Medical Errors developed by Güleç and Seren Intepeler (2013) and a staff information form prepared in line with the literature data. Results: Nurses' attitudes toward errors were generally positive, and intensive care unit (ICU) nurses were found to have more positive attitudes toward errors than ward nurses. The factors that caused medical errors included an increasing number of patients per shift, a workforce shortage, an intensifying workload, and lack of knowledge and experience. While the majority of the nurses believed that reporting errors decreased the number of errors, most of them refrained from reporting errors for which they were responsible. Conclusion: The results may be useful for nurse managers and leaders to reach a more comprehensive understanding of nurses' attitudes toward medical errors and to encourage them to support their staff and improving their working environment.

Keywords

• patient safety
• medical errors
• nurses
• second victim syndrome
• just culture