Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Medication Safety Among Healthcare Professionals in Dhi Qar, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Tarig Osman, Mohammad Shalal, Mohammad Hassan, Huda Abd Ali, Ghadeer Ghafil, Mithaq Raeed, Wali Kazem, Ayad Issa, Abdullah Nafil, Imad Kazem

Abstract

Background: Inpatient medication safety is crucial for patient care, with healthcare providers playing a pivotal role in reducing medication errors. This was an endeavor to identify disparities and gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among pharmacists, physicians, and nurses in Dhi Qar, Iraq. Methodology: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted from September to November involving 438 pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. The KAP data regarding mediaction safety was obtained by a standardised self-report questionnaire. We used statistical techniques, including SPSS for descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and ANOVA. Results: Pharmacists demonstrated a significantly higher level of knowledge (mean = 14.8/20) compared to physicians (9.3/20) and nurses (6.4/20), with a significant difference (p 0.001). Pharmacists exhibited the greatest attitudes (mean = 30.2/50), followed by physicians (26.4/50) and nurses (22.8/50). Pharmacists achieved the highest practice results (mean = 9.2/15). The KAP scores were below average for all groups combined. Significant relationships existed between profession and KAP scores, with pharmacists performing the best. However, institutional impediments—like excessive workloads and inadequate training—were recognised as obstacles to drug safety procedures. Conclusion: Some pharmacists possess superior education, greater tolerance, and more practical experience with safety than doctors and nurses. However, low overall KAP rates highlight the need for focused training and extensive reforms to guarantee safer drug administration in Iraq. Policy actions should prioritise the integration of pharmacists into multidisciplinary teams and the implementation of mandatory education programs for all clinicians.

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