The Effectiveness of Continuous Nursing Training Programs in Reducing Medication Errors in Emergency Departments
Keywords:
Continuous nursing education; medication errors; emergency department; patient safety; nursing competency; systematic review.Abstract
Background: Medication errors (MEs) represent a major challenge to patient safety, particularly within emergency departments (EDs) where nurses face high workloads, complex medication regimens, and time-sensitive decision-making. Continuous nursing education has been identified as a potential solution to enhance knowledge, skills, and safe medication practices.
Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous nursing training programs in reducing medication errors among emergency nurses, improving safety culture, and promoting sustainable competency.
Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2013 and 2024 were included if they examined continuous educational interventions targeting medication safety in ED settings. Eligible designs included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and cross-sectional studies. Data were extracted using standardized templates and quality assessed via the Cochrane Risk of Bias and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale tools.
Results: Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Findings consistently demonstrated that continuous nursing education significantly improved knowledge, reasoning, and medication administration accuracy, with reductions in overall error rates ranging from 30% to 70%. Educational interventions also enhanced reporting behaviors, teamwork, and adherence to medication protocols. However, barriers such as fear of blame, workload stress, and organizational constraints persisted.
Conclusion: Continuous education programs are effective in reducing medication errors, improving professional confidence, and fostering patient safety culture in emergency departments. The sustainability of these effects depends on leadership support, non-punitive reporting systems, and integration of ongoing training into institutional policy.
