NURSES KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

Abstract

Background: Medication administration errors in emergency departments (EDs) pose serious risks to patient safety. Nurses’ knowledge and practices play a vital role in minimizing these errors. This study explored the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding medication administration in EDs across hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 registered nurses working in the EDs of four public-sector hospitals: PNS Shifa, PNS Rahat, CMH Malir, and JPMC. Participants were selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist, both validated by experts and pilot tested. Ethical protocols, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly followed.

Results: Knowledge scores were categorized as good (≥80), adequate (60–79), average (40–59), and poor (≤40). Findings showed that 23% of nurses had good knowledge, 47% adequate, 27% average, and 3% poor. In practice, 11% were good, 36% adequate, 40% average, and 13% poor. Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and practice (r = .201, p < .05), age (r = .286), and experience (r = .394). Medication errors showed negative correlations with knowledge, practice, age, and experience.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a higher proportion of nurses with adequate and average knowledge and practice levels, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance good performance. Positive correlations suggest that experience and age contribute to improved knowledge and practices, while lower error rates are linked to better knowledge, practices, and increased professional experience.