Factors Associated with Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding High-Alert Medication Administration, Relevant Regulations, and Perceived Obstacles in Tertiary Care Hospitals of Karachi: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding High-Alert Medication Administration and Perceived Obstacles

Abstract

Medication safety during administration is crucial and a global concern and is directly linked to patient care, quality, and safety. High alert medications (HAMs) have an increased risk of causing harm if misused and must be administered correctly. Nurses play a primary role in drug administration and regulation, so it would be important to assess the level of knowledge of HAMs possessed by nurses. Objectives: To assess nurses’ knowledge regarding the administration of HAMs, their understanding of relevant regulations and the perceived obstacles to safe high-alert medication practices in tertiary care hospitals of Karachi. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. 263 registered nurses were recruited in the study from Dow University Hospital and Civil Hospital, Karachi, using a non-probability convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: Nurses in both hospitals were aged 25–30 years (48%), with 53% males and 47% BSN graduates in the majority. The level of knowledge of the majority of nurses was moderate. Overall knowledge levels were (31%) good knowledge, moderate (52%), and poor (17%). The lack of rigorous regulations (46%) out of all obstacles was a systemic and institutional challenge to safe HAM management. Conclusions: Nurses had moderate knowledge about administration and regulations, with age and work experience influencing knowledge levels. To reduce medication errors, organized training sessions and simulated workshops, standard operating procedures, and frequent competency assessments are needed in hospitals.