The Effect of Individual Factors on the Medication Error

Medication error is a major issue in healthcare industry and significant efforts have been taken in recent years to comprehend factors that influence errors in medication. Therefore, the present study aims to examine individual factors that contribute to medication errors as perceived by nurses. 255 registered nurses working in different Jordanian public hospitals have been chosen as samples to collect the study data from. They were asked to complete a questionnaire to assess the perceived individual factors, specifically, on nursing mathematical calculation skills and training as well as knowledge on medication treatment as factors contributing to medication errors. The current study found that the nurses' mathematical calculation skills, training and their knowledge on medication treatment have significant relationship with medication error. This was proven as the study framework is able to explain 45.6% of the total variance. Consequently, it is recommended that healthcare authorities and hospitals in Jordan should focus on nursing knowledge in medication treatment and the nurses' ability to perform drug calculation in order to improve the medication system in Jordan.