PHARMACISTS AND PHYSICIANS PERSPECTIVES ON DOSAGE FORM-RELATED AND MEDICATION SAFETY FACTORS IN REDUCING MEDICATION ERRORS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Medication errors have continued to pose one of the most critical issues to global healthcare systems. To improve patient safety and to reduce the risks concerning the use of medications, it is better to be aware of the views of healthcare professionals. Hence, this study aims at investigating the perception of the pharmacists and physicians about medication errors and other pertinent issues. The survey was conducted to 200 health care practitioners in Iraq, in a cross-sectional survey. The data were analysed by employing a validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.86) and using SPSS software version 24 with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results revealed that participants showed strong agreement regarding the significance of educating patients, medication labeling, and the use of appropriate medication in minimizing medication errors. No significant differences were observed by gender or years of experience. Meanwhile, physicians were more likely than pharmacists to associate oral solid dosage forms with increased medication-error risk.