Reducing medication errors in the hospital environment - a strategy for optimizing the management of non-communicable diseases

Abstract

Introduction Patient safety is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, yet medication errors pose a significant public health challenge globally. These errors encompass complex issues that can disrupt the therapeutic process at various stages, from prescription through to administration. In the Republic of Moldova, the underreporting of medication errors-often exacerbated by a punitive organizational culture and fear of professional repercussions-impedes thorough analysis of root causes and hampers necessary preventive measures. Aim of the study To identify the factors associated with medication errors in nursing practice and to explore methods for reducing these errors in the hospital environment of the Republic of Moldova. Material and methods A mixed-methods design was utilized, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data collection took place from September 2025 to January 2026, involving 105 nurses from high-risk departments, including Surgery, Traumatology, and Intensive Care Units, form Emergency Medicine Institute, Chiril Draganiuc Pneumology Institute, and the Trauma and Orthopedics Clinical Hospital. The quantitative phase employed a structured questionnaire with 25 items, while qualitative insights were gathered through a focus group of six nurses discussing systemic reporting barriers. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel to compute descriptive statistics, including mean scores and standard deviations. Results The findings indicated that systemic and organizational factors significantly impact medication safety, with the highest risk attributed to staff shortages (78.1%), high workload (74.3%), and professional fatigue. A noteworthy gap existed between error recognition and formal reporting: 82.9% of respondents acknowledged encountering errors, yet only 4.76% completed official reports, preferring informal team discussions (15.24%). There was strong agreement on the need for digital solutions; 55.2% of participants deemed electronic prescribing and barcode medication administration crucial for reducing human error. Additionally, qualitative data highlighted that fear of stigma significantly hinders transparency in reporting. Conclusion Medication errors are systemic issues influenced by human, organizational, and technological factors. Nurses play a critical role as the final safety barrier in medication administration. Enhancing this role requires a multifaceted strategy, including procedural standardization, digital verification technologies, and the establishment of a nonpunitive reporting culture. Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing education in pharmacovigilance are essential for improving healthcare quality and ensuring patient safety in the Republic of Moldova.