Pharmacy Student Knowledge and Communication of Medication Errors

Am J Pharm Educ. 2010 May 12; 74(4): 60. PMCID: PMC2879111

Copyright © 2010-American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Student Knowledge and Communication of Medication Errors
Nathaniel M. Rickles, PharmD, PhD,a Carey M. Noland, PhD,a Anthony Tramontozzi, PharmD,b and Michele A. Vinci, PharmDc
aNortheastern University, Boston, MA
bUpham's Corner Health Center, Dorchester, MA
cDuane Reade Pharmacy, Manhatten, NY

Corresponding Author: Nathaniel M. Rickles, PharmD, PhD, BCPP, Northeastern University School of Pharmacy, 206 Mugar Life Sciences Building, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, FAX: 617-373-7655, E-mail: n.rickles@neu.edu

Received January 1, 2009; Accepted September 20, 2009.

Abstract
Objectives
To describe and evaluate pharmacy students' knowledge of and comfort in communicating, managing, and preventing medication errors.

Methods
Using a cross-sectional design, a survey instrument was administered to fifth-year pharmacy students. The survey instrument included both open- and close-ended questions to describe and examine factors associated with knowledge and comfort in communication of medication errors.

Results
Survey instruments were completed by 93 students (90% response rate). Nearly 80% reported not having received training in communicating medication errors. The perception of having more adequate training was related to greater knowledge in the communication of medication errors (p ≤ 0.001). Knowledge was also associated with students having greater comfort in communicating medication errors (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions
The need and value of additional training for pharmacy students in communicating medication errors was demonstrated. Educational interventions should be developed to provide consistent instruction on these communication issues.Keywords: medication errors, training, communication

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Pharmacy Student Knowledge and Communication of Medication Errors