Nurses' perceptions toward factors that cause medication errors in Jordan: A qualitative study

Aims The aim of this study was to investigate nurses' experiences related to medication errors (MEs) from the perspective of Jordanian nurses. This article reports the findings concerning the factors that cause MEs from the perspectives of Jordanian nurses. Background MEs are critical issues facing healthcare providers and health institutions. Most of the studies on MEs were conducted in Western countries. However, there is little research that seeks to understand this issue in the developing countries and Jordan is one of these countries. Design A qualitative descriptive approach was used in three hospitals in different clinical settings in Jordan. Methods Individual semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 24 nurses. Results The data that emerged from the interviews was arranged and contextualized in two major themes, individual and systemic factors, that explained the main causes of MEs. From the individual side, lack of knowledge and experience ranked as the highest concerns, and from the systematic side workload was the most important factor. Conclusion This study provides an opportunity for stakeholders and Jordanian managers to increase their awareness of these factors and address them in the future, thereby increasing the level of care provided in their health organizations.