DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Medication errors remain a critical concern in healthcare, often resulting in preventable harm to patients. Fear of consequences, poor management practices, and process-related barriers contribute to underreporting of these errors by nurses. Understanding these factors is vital to improving patient safety and establishing a culture of transparency in hospitals.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the factors influencing underreporting of medication errors among nurses working in a private hospital, focusing on fear of consequences, managerial function, and process-related function.
Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was adopted using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected from 166 nurses at Shalimar Hospital, Lahore. The questionnaire included demographic items and statements measured on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation, and regression to identify relationships between variables.
Results: The results indicated that fear of consequences, managerial function, and process-related function significantly correlated with underreporting of medication errors (p < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that process-related factors were the strongest predictors (R² = 0.473), followed by fear of consequences (R² = 0.415) and managerial function (R² = 0.388). These findings confirm that organizational and psychological barriers play a central role in error reporting behavior.
Conclusion: The study concludes that reducing fear, promoting supportive management, and improving reporting systems can enhance nurses’ willingness to report medication errors. Establishing a non-punitive, learning-oriented culture is essential for improving patient safety and healthcare quality.