THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION ERRORS AND HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG PATIENTS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Medication administration errors (MEs) are a critical global healthcare issue, significantly impacting patient safety and health outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings like Niger State, Nigeria. This study investigates the relationship between MEs and health outcomes among patients in six selected hospitals in Niger State. Guided by Robert K. Merton’s Theory of Unintended Consequences (1936), the research explores how purposive actions in medication administration can lead to unforeseen adverse outcomes due to ignorance, error, short-term concerns, and systemic complexities. A cross-sectional survey of 345 respondents (healthcare professionals and patients) utilized a 4-point Likert scale questionnaire to assess perceptions of ME impacts, complemented by 18 key informant interviews for qualitative insights focusing on reflexive thematic analysed. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysed quantitative data, revealing a significant but moderate relationship (R=0.463, R²=0.215, p<0.001) between MEs and health outcomes, with mistakes in medical orders (β=0.242, p=0.001) and wrong-route administration (β=-0.211, p<0.000) as key predictors. Common MEs included wrong medication (79.2% agreement), incorrect dose (69.5%), wrong route (54.2%), and providing medication to a wrong patient (60.6%), leading to adverse drug effects, hospitalizations, and increased mortality. Despite global efforts to reduce MEs, their persistence in Niger State underscores the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include implementing barcode scanning, standardized checklists, and increased staffing to mitigate errors. This study provides a foundation for policy changes to enhance patient safety in Niger State’s healthcare system, addressing a critical gap in understanding MEs in resource-constrained settings.