Perceptions of Doctors and Pharmacists towards Medication Error Reporting and Prevention in Kedah, Malaysia: A Rasch Model Analysis

Objective: Reporting of medication errors in Malaysia is currently low. Consequently, the objective of the study is to explore the perceptions of doctors and pharmacists towards reporting of medication errors and to explore perceived factors that could cause or prevent medication errors. Method: The study was a cross-sectional mail survey. All eight primary outpatient care clinics under Kuala Muda District Health Office, Kedah, Malaysia were included. The study targeted all doctors and pharmacists working in these clinics. The survey questionnaire consisted of two domains — perceptions of medication errors reporting and exploration of perceived preventive factors of medication errors. The Rasch model was used in data analysis. Results: A total of sixty-seven questionnaires were received from the eight clinics, giving a response rate of 100%. Doctors believed that patients’ knowledge about their medications and counselling by pharmacists are the most important preventing factors of medication errors. Pharmacists believed that compliance with the standard operating procedures, decreasing the heavy workload and patients’ knowledge about their medications are the most important preventing factors. Regarding reporting of medication errors, both doctors and pharmacists had relatively the same perceptions. While they did not agree that their workload interferes with their ability to report medication errors, both pharmacists and doctors moderately agreed that individuals could be blamed when an error is reported in the department. Conclusion: The study findings showed that the workload was not a barrier to medication error reporting. Moreover, both doctors and pharmacists stated that prevention of medication errors is a high priority in their work place. However, the fear of blame could prevent some doctors and pharmacists from reporting medication errors.Consequently, reporting medication errors needs be encouraged in the Malaysian primary care setting building on the current initiatives and activities in Malaysia. This could further promote the culture of medication safety and error reporting.