Knowledge About the Administration and Regulation of High Alert Medications Among Nurses in Mansoura University Children's Hospital: A Hospital-wide Audit

Pediatric Medication Safety Revolution: Auditing Nurses' Knowledge on High-Alert Drugs

This study checks how well nurses at Mansoura University Children's Hospital know about high-alert medications (HAMs). These are drugs that can cause serious harm if given incorrectly. We used a questionnaire to assess their knowledge and identify any gaps. The goal is to improve training and reduce medication errors in the hospital.

Background:

Medication errors (MEs) are a major cause of patient harm, especially in pediatric settings. High-alert medications (HAMs) are drugs that carry a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error. Nurses play a critical role in the safe administration of HAMs. This hospital-wide audit aims to evaluate nurses' knowledge regarding the administration and regulation of HAMs at Mansoura University Children's Hospital.

Objectives:

1. To assess the level of knowledge about HAMs among nurses.
2. To identify factors associated with sufficient knowledge of HAMs.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to all nurses involved in medication administration at Mansoura University Children's Hospital. The questionnaire covered identification of HAMs, storage, administration protocols, and error prevention strategies. Data was collected from [February to October 2025] and analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Setting:

Mansoura University Children's Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt.

Participants:

All registered nurses working in the hospital and involved in medication administration.

Outcome Measures:

• Primary: Level of knowledge about HAMs (scored as sufficient/insufficient).
• Secondary: Factors associated with sufficient knowledge (e.g., years of experience, training).

Inclusion Criteria:

• - Registered nurses working at Mansoura University Children's Hospital.
• Involved in medication administration.
• At least 6 months of experience in the hospital.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-nursing staff.
• Nurses not involved in direct patient care or medication administration.