Impact of Psychosocial Factors on Occurrence of Medication Errors among Tehran Public Hospitals Nurses by Evaluating the Balance between Effort and Reward

Medication error rates in Iranian hospitals: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Medication errors (MEs) in hospitals decrease patient satisfaction, increase hospital mortality, lower hospital productivity, and increase in the costs of the health system. This study was conducted to determine the rate of MEs in Iranian hospitals.

METHOD

In this meta-analysis, all published articles on ME rates in Iranian hospitals were identified from five databases and Google Scholar and assessed for quality. The heterogeneity of the studies was examined using the I2 index and a meta-regression model was used to evaluate the variables suspected of heterogeneity at the 0.05 significance level. Finally, 17 articles were eligible to be included in this study and were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software.

FINDINGS

Based on the estimation of the random-effects model, the ME rate in Iranian hospitals was 10.9% (5.1%-21.7%; 95% CI). The highest rate was observed in Sanandaj in 2006 at 99.5% (92.6%-100.0%; 95% CI) and the lowest rate was observed in Kashan in 2019 at 0.2% (0.1%-0.3%; 95% CI). In addition, sample size and publication year were significantly correlated with ME rate (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study; ME rate in Iran is relatvively high based on the synthesis of the research conducted in Iranian hospitals. In addition to being costly, MEs have negative consequences for patients. Thereofore, it is necessary to emphasize the voluntary nature of medication error reporting in health sytem of Iran.

Estimating Proportion and Barriers of Medication Error Reporting Among Nurses in Hail City, Saudi Arabia: Implications for Improving Patient Safety

Background

Determining the proportion of nurses reporting medication errors (MEs) and identifying the barriers they perceive in ME reporting are crucial to encourage nurses to actively report MEs.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the proportion of nurses experiencing and reporting MEs, perceived barriers to reporting MEs and their association with nurses' sociodemographic and work-related characteristics.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 nurses from June to November 2023. Data about sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, and ME reporting, were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire.

Results

The study found that 34.3% of nurses reported MEs, while 11.1% reported experiencing MEs during their practice. ME reporting was higher proportion among nurses who were older than 40 years (52.1%), males (41.4%), held a master's degree (58.7%), Saudi nationals (37.8%), experienced for more than 10 years (43.1%), working in intensive care units (44.3%), working for 48 hours or more per week (39.7%), working in hospitals with a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:3 (44.9%) and having a system for incident reporting (37.7%) and with no training on patient safety (44.6%) compared to their counterparts. The rate of experiencing MEs was higher proportion among nurses who were older than 40 years (16.7%), males (17.3%), married (14.8%), Saudi nationals (13.4%), experienced for more than 10 years (15.6%) and with no training on patient safety (15.3%) compared to their counterparts. Lack of knowledge of the person responsible for reporting MEs was the most frequent perceived barrier to ME reporting (66.6%), followed by fears of blame (65.4%).

Conclusion

In this study, nurses reported and experienced MEs during their practice. Most nurses perceive the lack of knowledge and fear of blame or disciplinary actions as barriers to reporting. Healthcare administrators should implement educational programs and workshops to increase nurses' awareness of ME reporting.

Prevalence of medication errors and its related factors in Iranian nurses: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Nurses may make medication errors during the implementation of therapeutic interventions, which initially threaten the patient's health and safety and prolong their hospital stay. These errors have always been a challenge for healthcare systems. Given that factors such as the timing, type, and causes of medication errors can serve as suitable predictors for their occurrence, we have decided to conduct a review study aiming to investigate the prevalence of medication errors and the associated factors among Iranian nurses.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies were searched on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, IranMedex, Magiran, and SID databases using a combination of keywords and Boolean functions. The study that reported the prevalence of medication errors among nurses in Iran without time limitation up to May 2023 was included in this study.

RESULTS

A total of 36 studies were included in the analysis. The analysis indicates that 54% (95% CI: 43, 65; I2 = 99.3%) of Iranian nurses experienced medication errors. The most common types of medication errors by nurses were wrong timing 27.3% (95% CI: 19, 36; I2 = 95.8%), and wrong dosage 26.4% (95% CI: 20, 33; I2 = 91%). Additionally, the main causes of medication errors among nurses were workload 43%, fatigue 42.7%, and nursing shortage 38.8%. In this study, just 39% (95% CI: 27, 50; I2 = 97.1%) of nurses with medication errors did report their errors. Moreover, the prevalence of medication errors was more in the night shift at 41.1%. The results of the meta-regression showed that publication year and the female-to-male ratio are good predictors of medical errors, but they are not statistically significant(p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce medication errors, nurses need to work in a calm environment that allows for proper nursing interventions and prevents overcrowding in departments. Additionally, considering the low reporting of medication errors to managers, support should be provided to nurses who report medication errors, in order to promote a culture of reporting these errors among Iranian nurses and ensure patient safety is not compromised.

A grounded theory of the implementation of medical orders by clinical nurses

OBJECTIVE

To explore the process of implementing medical orders by clinical nurses, and identify specific areas of concern in the implementation process, and uncover strategies to address these concerns.

BACKGROUND

The implementation of medical orders is a crucial responsibility for clinical nurses, as they bear legal accountability for the precise implementation of directives issued by medical practitioners. The accurate implementation of these orders not only shapes the quality and safety of healthcare services but also presents numerous challenges that demand careful consideration.

METHOD

This study employed a qualitative design using a grounded theory approach to construct a comprehensive theoretical framework grounded in the insights and experiences of nurses operating within the hospital settings of Iran. The study encompassed 20 participants, comprising 16 clinical nurses, two nurse managers, and two specialist doctors working in hospital settings. The selection process involved purposeful and theoretical sampling methods to ensure diverse perspectives. Data collection unfolded through in-depth, individual, semi-structured interviews, persisting until data saturation was achieved. The analytical framework proposed by Corbin and Strauss (2015) guided the process, leading to the development of a coherent theory encapsulating the essence of the study phenomenon.

FINDINGS

The primary finding of the study underscores the significance of 'legal threat and job prestige' highlighting diverse repercussions in case of errors in the implementation of medical orders. At the core of the investigation, the central variable and the theory of the study was the 'selective and tasteful implementation of orders to avoid legal and organizational accountability.' This indicated a set of strategies employed by the nurses in the implementation of medical orders, encapsulated through three fundamental concepts: 'accuracy in controlling medical orders,' 'untruth documentation,' and 'concealment of events. The formidable influence of legal threats and job prestige was further compounded by factors such as heavy workloads, the doctor's non-compliance with legal instructions for giving verbal orders, the addition of orders by the doctor without informing nurses, and pressure by nursing managers to complete documentation. The resultant psychological distress experienced by nurses not only jeopardized patient safety but also underscored the intricate interplay between legal implications and professional standing within the healthcare framework.

CONCLUSION

Alleviating staff shortages, enhancing the professional rapport between doctors and nurses, offering legal support to nursing staff, implementing measures such as recording departmental phone conversations to deter the non-acceptance of verbal orders, fostering an organizational culture that embraces nurse fallibility and encourages improvement, and upgrading equipment can ameliorate nurses' apprehensions and contribute to the safe implementation of medical orders.

Occurrence and types of medication error and its associated factors in a reference teaching hospital in northeastern Iran: a retrospective study of medical records

BACKGROUND

Medication errors are categorized among the most common medical errors that may lead to irreparable damages to patients and impose huge costs on the health system. A correct understanding of the prevalence of medication errors and the factors affecting their occurrence is indispensable to prevent such errors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and types of medication errors among nurses in a hospital in northeastern Iran.

METHODS

The present descriptive-analytical research was conducted on 147 medical records of patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine at a hospital in northeastern Iran in 2019, selected by systematic sampling. The data were collected through a researcher-made checklist containing the demographic profiles of the nurses, the number of doctor's orders, the number of medication errors and the type of medication error, and were finally analyzed using STATA version 11 software at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

Based on the findings of this study, the mean prevalence of medication error per each medical case was 2.42. Giving non-prescription medicine (47.8%) was the highest and using the wrong form of the drug (3.9%) was the lowest medication error. In addition, there was no statistically significant relationship between medication error and the age, gender and marital status of nurses (p > 0.05), while the prevalence of medication error in corporate nurses was 1.76 times higher than that of nurses with permanent employment status (IRR = 1.76, p = 0.009). The prevalence of medication error in the morning shift (IRR = 0.65, p = 0.001) and evening shift (IRR = 0.69, p = 0.011) was significantly lower than that in the night shift.

CONCLUSION

Estimating the prevalence and types of medication errors and identified risk factors allows for more targeted interventions. According to the findings of the study, training nurses, adopting an evidence-based care approach and creating interaction and coordination between nurses and pharmacists in the hospital can play an effective role in reducing the medication error of nurses. However, further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the prevalence of medication errors.

Intravenous medication errors in the emergency department, knowledge, tendency to make errors and affecting factors: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Intravenous medication errors are common in hospital settings particularly emergency department. This study aimed to determine intravenous medication preparation and administration errors, contributing factors, tendency towards making errors and knowledge level of emergency department healthcare workers.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using a structured, direct observation method was conducted. It was conducted with 23 emergency healthcare workers working in the emergency department of a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected by questionnaires: Knowledge Test on Intravenous Medication Administration, Intravenous Drug Administration Standard Observation Form, Drug and Transfusion Administration Sub-Dimension scale, Perceived Stress Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

RESULTS

It was determined that the knowledge level of the emergency healthcare workers about intravenous medication administration was moderate, and the tendency mistakes regarding drug and transfusion applications was very low. There was no relationship between education level, years of work, years of work in the emergency department, perceived stress level and sleep quality, and the tendency of making mistakes in drug and transfusion applications.

CONCLUSION

It is important for patient safety to prevent medication errors by determining the factors affecting intravenous medication administration, tendency to make mistakes and knowledge levels, which are frequently used in emergency department.

Exploring the role of social capital, self-efficacy and social contagion in shaping lifestyle and mental health among students representing the future healthcare workforce in Palestine: social cohort study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and depression form an unhealthy mix. The project focuses on potentially effective psychosocial factors shaping health-related habits and mental health. The study is conducted among health domain students. Understanding what shapes their health will determine their quality of care. The study is implemented at An-Najah National University in Palestine. This zone of continuous conflict psychological stress is high and mental health problems are stigmatised.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Students who are enrolled in second and third year will be invited to fill in a baseline and two follow-up online questionnaires. The questionnaires will assess: health behaviours and outcomes (health-related habits, obesity and mental health), main predictors (social capital, social network, self-efficacy), confounders (general and sociodemographic characteristics) and effect modifiers (sense of coherence (SOC) and family SOC). Friendships within participating students will be identified by allowing students to name their friends from a pull-down menu of all students. Descriptive statistics and scores will describe participant's characteristics. The relationship between health behaviour, outcomes and main predictors will be examined by regression and structural equation models. Clustering of health behaviours and outcomes will be assessed by permutation tests. Their spread within the network of friends will be investigated by longitudinal generalised estimating equations.

DISCUSSION

The study will identify the prevalence of NCD-related health habits and mental health aspects in the future healthcare workforce in Palestine. It will be the first study to address the role of psychosocial factors for the targeted students. It has the potential to identify targets for promoting physical and mental health among these future professionals.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz (EKNZ) in Switzerland and the Institutional Review Board Committee (IRBC) in Palestine. Participation in the study is voluntary and requires informed consent. The data management methodology ensures the confidentiality of the data. The outcomes of the study will be published as scientific papers. In addition, it will be presented in stakeholder conferences and to students at An-Najah National University.

The effects of psychosocial factors on occupational accidents: a cross-sectional study in the manufacturing industry in Turkey

Objectives. Looking at death statistics in workplaces, occupational health and safety (OHS) is indisputably one of the most important problems of society. Considering that the existing measures are insufficient to reduce deaths, it is essential to look at the prevention of occupational accidents/diseases with an interdisciplinary approach and to employ new perspectives in order to develop new methods. The aim of this study is to determine whether psychosocial risks are perceived as an accident factor by employees and to bring the concept of psychosocial accident factors into a discussion. Methods. The survey technique is used as a data collection tool for this study. The questionnaire has 33 questions. SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze the data. Results. The study showed that employees who had an accident perceived psychosocial factors as an important accident factor. Conclusions. Studies on causes of accidents at work are generally based on a single dimension, such as environmental conditions and/or faults of employees. There is almost no focus on the reasons for the misbehaviors of employees. Psychosocial factors are not taken into account or neglected, but results show that providing psychosocial support and/or psychological counseling services in workplaces may be effective in reducing accidents.

Associations of person-related, environment-related and communication-related factors on medication errors in public and private hospitals: a retrospective clinical audit

BACKGROUND

Efforts to ensure safe and optimal medication management are crucial in reducing the prevalence of medication errors. The aim of this study was to determine the associations of person-related, environment-related and communication-related factors on the severity of medication errors occurring in two health services.

METHODS

A retrospective clinical audit of medication errors was undertaken over an 18-month period at two Australian health services comprising 16 hospitals. Descriptive statistical analysis, and univariate and multivariable regression analysis were undertaken.

RESULTS

There were 11,540 medication errors reported to the online facility of both health services. Medication errors caused by doctors (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.690, 95% CI 0.618-0.771), or by pharmacists (OR 0.327, 95% CI 0.267-0.401), or by patients or families (OR 0.641, 95% CI 0.472-0.870) compared to those caused by nurses or midwives were significantly associated with reduced odds of possibly or probably harmful medication errors. The presence of double-checking of medication orders compared to single-checking (OR 0.905, 95% CI 0.826-0.991) was significantly associated with reduced odds of possibly or probably harmful medication errors. The presence of electronic systems for prescribing (OR 0.580, 95% CI 0.480-0.705) and dispensing (OR 0.350, 95% CI 0.199-0.618) were significantly associated with reduced odds of possibly or probably harmful medication errors compared to the absence of these systems. Conversely, insufficient counselling of patients (OR 3.511, 95% CI 2.512-4.908), movement across transitions of care (OR 1.461, 95% CI 1.190-1.793), presence of interruptions (OR 1.432, 95% CI 1.012-2.027), presence of covering personnel (OR 1.490, 95% 1.113-1.995), misread or unread orders (OR 2.411, 95% CI 2.162-2.690), informal bedside conversations (OR 1.221, 95% CI 1.085-1.373), and problems with clinical handovers (OR 1.559, 95% CI 1.136-2.139) were associated with increased odds of medication errors causing possible or probable harm. Patients or families were involved in the detection of 1100 (9.5%) medication errors.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients and families need to be engaged in discussions about medications, and health professionals need to provide teachable opportunities during bedside conversations, admission and discharge consultations, and medication administration activities. Patient counselling needs to be more targeted in effort to reduce medication errors associated with possible or probable harm.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Medical Error Rate in Iran: 2005-2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Medical errors (MEs) are one of the main factors affecting the quality of hospital services and reducing patient safety in health care systems, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of ME in Iran.

METHODS

This is a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of extracted data. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, SID, Magiran, and Medlib were searched in Persian and English, using a combination of medical subject heading terms ("Medical Error" [Mesh] OR "Medication error" [Mesh] OR "Hospital Error" AND ("Iran" [Mesh]) for observational and interventional studies that reported ME rate in Iran from January 1995 to April 2019. We followed the STROBE checklist for the purpose of this review.

RESULTS

The search yielded a total of 435 records, of which 74 articles were included in the systematic review. The rate of MEs in Iran was determined as 0.35%. The rates of errors among physicians and nurses were 31% and 37%, respectively. The error rates during the medication process, including prescription, recording, and administration, were 31%, 27%, and 35%, respectively. Also, incidence of MEs in night shifts was higher than in any other shift (odds ratio [OR] = 38%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 31%-45%). Moreover, newer nurses were responsible for more errors within hospitals than other nurses (OR = 57%; 95% CI: 41%-80%). The rate of reported error after the Health Transformation Plan was higher than before the Health Transformation Plan (OR = 40%; CI: 33%-49% vs OR = 30%; CI: 25%-35%).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review has demonstrated the high ME rate in Iranian hospitals. Based on the error rate attributed solely to night shifts, more attention to the holistic treatment process is required. Errors can be decreased through a variety of strategies, such as training clinical and support staff regarding safe practices and updating and adapting systems and technologies.

Medication error trends in Middle Eastern countries: A systematic review on healthcare services

Medication errors (MEs) are a critical worldwide concern and can cause genuine clinical ramifications for patients. Studies concerning such errors have not been undertaken as much in the Middle Eastern region. The aim of this study was to systematically review and identify studies done in the Middle Eastern nations to recognize the principle contributory factors included and to estimate the prevalence in the region. A review of the retrospective, prospective, cohort, and case-control studies based on MEs in the Middle Eastern nations was directed in January 2020 utilizing the accompanying databases: Embase, Medline, PubMed, Ebsco, Cochrane, Scopus, and Prospero. The search methodology incorporated all ages and in English only dating back to 2010. The search methodology included articles about MEs in the Middle East with errors in people of all ages, articles in English, and articles dating back to 2010. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses appraisal instrument was used to assess the quality of the included articles. Individual data extraction, pooled analysis, and the accompanying databases were used for data analysis of the MEs in eligible studies. Fifteen of the 18 articles reviewed from four Middle Eastern countries had low risk of bias, while three out of 18 had medium risk of bias. A total of 58,221 reported people were studied, with a total of 34,730.9 reported MEs. The pooled analysis showed that numbers of errors were mainly prescribing errors (n = 22,715.25), general prescription errors (n = 8097.16), and commission errors (n = 158.2). Iran had the highest rate amid the reported administration errors, at 25.07% (599.11/2388.9). Measuring a patient's clinical laboratory values was another less common type of prescription ME. Lebanon reported to have the highest monitoring errors, with a rate of 13.13% (277.91/2117). A negative trend was shown in the amount of MEs in the vast majority of the nations under the examination. The under-reporting or uncertain information recommended that significan changes are needed in the healthcare sector. There is solid need of literature on healthcare services in the region to completely understand and address the MEs and issues.

Magnitude and associated factors of medication administration error among nurses working in Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia

Introduction

Medication administration errors (MAEs) are common health problems that threaten patient safety and raise mortality rates, duration of hospital stay, and cost of services. It also influences healthcare professionals performing the procedure and healthcare organizations. Its prevalence in Ethiopia is high ranging from 51.8% to 90.8%.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of MAE among nurses at Northwest Amhara Region Referral Hospitals.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2019. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 348 nurses. Structured pretested self-administered questionnaires and an observational checklist were used to collect data. The data were entered in Epi-info version 7, analyzed using SPSS version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL), and presented in tables and graphs. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were computed to identify the factors associated with MAEs. p Values <.05 and adjusted odds ratios were used to declare the significance and strength of the association.

Results

One hundred and seventy-eight (54%) of the respondents made MAEs in the last 12 months. Only 10 (5%) of the 200 observed nurses were administered medications without any breach in any of the six rights of medication administration. Factors like poor knowledge (AOR = 5.98; 95% CI (2.39,14.94)), poor communication (AOR = 2.94; 95% CI (1.34, 6.46)), stress (AOR = 5.41; 95% CI (2.53, 11.57)), interruption during medication administration (AOR = 4.70, 95% CI (2.42, 9.10)), and night shift (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI (1.42, 5.46)) were significantly associated with MAE.

Conclusions

The magnitude of MAE was high. Poor knowledge, poor communication, stress, night shift, and interruption were significantly associated with MAEs. Strengthening institutional medication administration regulations and guidelines and minimizing interruption during medication administration would help minimize MAEs.

Factors Determining Work Arduousness Levels among Nurses: Using the Example of Surgical, Medical Treatment, and Emergency Wards

Introduction

Staff shortages among nurses have been severely felt in most countries around the world for many years. In Poland, this problem is particularly visible due to the lowest nursing employment rate per 1000 inhabitants among 28 EU states and the high rate of leaving the profession. The average age of Polish nurses has been constantly growing for several years—in 2016 it was 50.79, while in 2008 it was 44.19. These data confirm that young nurses are the first to leave the profession. Diagnosis of the working conditions and psychosocial burden level among nurses should be subject to detailed analysis, so that leaving the profession will not additionally deepen the difficult staffing situation in health care.

Aim

The aim of the study was to identify factors affecting the assessment of work arduousness levels among nursing personnel.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted among 573 nurses working on surgical, medical treatment, and emergency wards. A standardized job evaluation questionnaire was used to conduct the survey.

Results

(1) Stress levels depended on the ward in which the surveyed person worked. Nurses working in the emergency ward assessed their conditions the best, with the lowest stress. The average general result in this group was 38.1 points versus 46 and 45.7 points in the surgical and medical treatment wards, respectively. (2) At the level of the whole studied group, both the nurses' age and work experience did not differ statistically significantly in the total assessment of working conditions. Differences in the assessment of work arduousness in different age categories occurred at the level of individual wards. In the surgical ward, younger employees were characterized by higher stress levels, especially in the area of arduousness (p=0.0165). In the medical treatment wards, there was a similar age-to-stress ratio for the area of organizational uncertainty (p=0.0063). With age, employees of the emergency ward became more indifferent to stress related to unpleasant working conditions (p=0.0009), while stress related to organizational uncertainty increased (p=0.0495). (3) Nurses working in managerial positions assessed the overall stress related to their job higher than other nurses. They were particularly at risk for burdens related to haste, responsibility, and organizational uncertainty. The average overall assessment of work arduousness for this group was 44.6 points, while for surgical nurses it was 37.2 points. Correlations between the performed function and stress levels were found for almost all of the studied work characteristics (except for hazards). (4) Education had a statistically significant impact on the perception of working conditions in several dimensions. The people with the lowest education evaluated working conditions the best. The difference between people with a higher and those with a secondary education with a specialization was definitely smaller and often nonexistent. Education differentiated the work arduousness assessment depending on the ward. The most statistically significant correlations were obtained in surgical wards, and the least in medical treatment wards.

Conclusions

(1) The study results indicate the need to diagnose problems related to work conditions in the context of occupational stress within individual hospital wards. To limit employee turnover, nursing staff managers should approach the issue of improving working conditions individually for each ward, due to differences in the nature of the work and level of stressogenicity. (2) In each hospital ward, employees at different stages of their career are sensitive to the psychosocial burden resulting from different work characteristics. These areas should be thoroughly diagnosed and the burden minimized to prevent departures from the profession—at early stages of the professional career as well as among experienced personnel. (3) Nurses working in managerial positions should receive the necessary substantive support, due to the higher stress burden associated with greater responsibility.

Interrupções no trabalho da enfermagem como fator de risco para erros de medicação

Objetivo: verificar a associação entre as interrupções e os erros de medicação nas doses preparadas e administradas por profissionais de enfermagem das unidades de internação de clínica médica de dois hospitais públicos localizados no Distrito Federal, Brasil. Método: estudo exploratório, de delineamento transversal e caráter quantitativo realizado em dois hospitais públicos no Distrito Federal, Brasil. A amostra foi de conveniência, sendo 8 profissionais do Hospital 1 e 18 profissionais do Hospital 2. Os dados foram coletados a partir de observação direta e aplicação de questionário e instrumento para identificação dos fatores de risco para erros de medicação. Foram considerados significativos os resultados com valores de p < 0,05 e o índice de confiança estabelecido foi de 95 %.Resultados: em ambos os hospitais verificou-se um perfil majoritariamente de técnicos de enfermagem (H1 = 100 %; H2 = 94,4 %), do sexo feminino (H1 = 75,0 %; H2 = 88,1 %), com idade superior aos 30 anos (H1 = 75,0 %; H2 = 61,0 %). Foram observadas 899 doses no Hospital 1 e Hospital 2, que resultaram em 921 e 648 erros respectivamente, dos quais 464 (53,6 %) no Hospital 1 e 118 (24,4 %) no Hospital 2 estiveram diretamente relacionados à presença de interrupções no trabalho. Cada dose observada sofreu aproximadamente 1,7 erro e percebeu-se uma frequência de aproximadamente 26 (H1) e 16,2 (H2) erros por hora. Conclusões: verifica-se uma forte associação entre as interrupções no trabalho da equipe de enfermagem e os erros de medicação nas unidades de internação estudadas, caracterizando as interrupções como importante fator de risco.

Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace as an Aspect of Horizontal Segregation in the Nursing Profession

The purpose of this article was to assess the influence of psychosocial hazards as a factor affecting the presence of men in the nursing profession. The article refers to the topic of particularly low representation of men among nursing staff in Poland, in comparison to what similar statistics show for other countries. The aim of the study was to assess whether the psychosocial hazards in the nursing profession constitute a significant factor in the small number of men present in this occupation. In this article psychosocial hazards are considered as all the aspects of management and work organization that may negatively affect the employee's mental and physical health. The research was conducted from September 2017 to April 2018 in the Podlaskie Voivodeship (Poland). A total of 640 respondents working as nurses in inpatient health care facilities, of which 87% were women and 13% were men, were included in the study. A standardized Work Design Questionnaire for an objective assessment of work stressfulness was used as a research tool. The research has been run by a group of experts, who explained the aim and the meaning of the particular questions to the surveyed group. Afterwards, based on the answers and observations of the responders, the experts filled in the questionnaire. The results of the study show that in almost all the evaluated aspects, the nursing profession was assessed more negatively by surveyed men than women. The most negative aspects reported by women included hazards (a score of 60), complexity (58.3), and haste (50.0), while those reported by men included haste (70.0), complexity (66.7), and hazards (65.0). As a conclusion it has been noticed, that results received from the research confirm that psychosocial hazards may have significant impact on the number of men present in the nursing profession in Poland. This study also suggests that the greater psychosocial hazards experienced by male nurses in the workplace may be an effect of the particularly low representation of men among practicing nursing staff.