OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to medication error reporting amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs).

METHODS: Clinical Pharmacists conducted a questionnaire based exploratory research amongst 839 HCPs in a tertiary care teaching hospital. A standardized and validated 35-point questionnaire encompassing the themes of facilitations and barriers was administered. Data was scribed into specially designed electronic data collection form and categorically analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 712 HCPs returned the filled questionnaire [377 (52.9%) doctors, 324 (45.5%) nurses and 11 (1.5%) pharmacists] giving a response rate of 85%. Of the total respondents, majority [313 (44%)] of HCPs had less than five years of work experience and only 178 [(25%)] reported medication errors. The common reasons for underreporting were disclosure of identity of the person who committed the error [451 (63.4%)], negative peer pressure [353 (49.7%)], fear of blame & shame [308 (43.1%)] and excessive workload [292 (40.8%)]. While, ‘Patient Safety’ was held as a facilitator amongst majority of HCPs [326 (53.3%)] with permanent embedment of positive patient safety culture in the organization. Supportive working environment [674 (94.7%)], Pressure-free reporting culture [628 (88.3%)], simplicity of ME reporting forms [603 (84.8%)], open encouragement from the peers [510 (68.6%)], and constant reminders about ME reporting [337 (47.4%)] were few other facilitators.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings revealed that, although the HCPs have a positive attitude towards ME reporting, negative peer pressure & excessive work burden dampens the spirit of reporting ME voluntarily. Sensitizing and strengthening the non-punitive reporting systems through continuous awareness programs will facilitate voluntary ME reporting culture.

Key Words: Medication Errors, Barriers, Facilitators, Voluntary Reporting, Health Care Professionals.