Medical Errors and Reporting Barriers from the Perspective of Nurses and Managers- Tabriz Shahid Madani Heart Hospital

Medical error reporting is a common way in identifying and preventing their occurrence. A proper reporting system will lead to patient safety improvement. The aim of this study was to investigate medical errors and the reporting barriers from the perspectives of nurses and managers in Tabriz Shahid Madani hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013 using standard questionnaire. Medical error reporting forms were reviewed during 2012. 157 nurses were selected by easy sampling method and 30 managers were enrolled in the study (census method). Most of the reported medical errors (55.7%) were adverse event. Patient falls from bed were the most reported error (21%). Lack of knowledge and awareness about medical errors was the main reporting barrier from the perspectives of managers and nurses. To improve patients and staff safety, hospital managers should employ appropriate policies to enhance the nurses’ knowledge about medical errors and create a proper reporting culture.