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. 2010 May 12;74(4):60.
doi: 10.5688/aj740460.

Pharmacy student knowledge and communication of medication errors

Nathaniel M Rickles  1 , Carey M Noland, Anthony Tramontozzi, Michele A Vinci
Affiliations

Pharmacy student knowledge and communication of medication errors

Nathaniel M Rickles et al. Am J Pharm Educ. .

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 < or = 0.001). Knowledge was also associated with students having greater comfort in communicating medication errors (p < or = 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: communication; medication errors; training.

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