Nursing students' intention to report medication errors: application of theory of planned behavior

Abstract

Abstract Background: Reporting, investigating, and full disclosure of medication errors (MEs) is a fundamental component of patient safety. Therefore, determining nursing students' intention to report MEs is important.

Purpose: This study examined the factors related to nursing students' intention to report MEs and the use of the Turkish version of the Theory of Planned Behavior Medication Safety Questionnaire (TPB-MSQ-T).

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 227 undergraduate nursing students in Istanbul, Turkey. Students' intentions to report MEs were measured using an online TPB-MSQ-T. Quantitative analysis was conducted.

Results: Attitudes and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were significant predictors of intention to report MEs (P = .05 and P = .01, respectively), but subjective norms did not predict it (P = .11). The Cronbach's α of the questionnaire was 0.88.

Conclusions: Attitude and PBC are important determinants of nursing students' intention to report MEs. The TPB-MSQ-T can be used for identifying the main determinants of intention to report MEs.