Factors contributing to dispensing Errors among  dispensers in Gulu Regional Referral  Hospital, Gulu District. A Cross-sectional Study.

Esther Faith Lakop; Harrison Sida

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v3i6.130

Authors

Esther Faith Lakop Kampala School of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 14623, Kampala, Uganda.
Harrison Sida Kampala School of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 14623, Kampala, Uganda.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v3i6.130

Keywords:

Dispensing Errors , Dispensers, Gulu Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

Background:

The purpose of the study is to assess the factors contributing to dispensing errors among dispensers in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Gulu District.

Methodology:

The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design and data was collected from 50 respondents. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling and a semi-structured questionnaire with closed and open-ended was used as a data collection tool. Data were analyzed manually and entered into the computer using Microsoft Excel and the study findings were presented in tables, graphs, and pie charts.

Results:

(72%) had working time of 6-8 hours,(40%) agreed that the number of patients waiting for medicines was at its peak between 9-11 am,(72%) were very often put on pressure by the patient number waiting for medicines while dispensing,(50%) had experienced workload,(64%) agreed that their working environment was conducive,(66%) had never reported dispensing errors,(12%) of the respondents had encountered errors due to similar drug names.

Conclusion:

Generally the researcher concluded that; a large number of patients waiting for medicines increased work pressures among dispensers, high workload, under-reporting of dispensing errors, infrequent continuing professional development since majority less often performed and some never performed CPD, similar drug names which were due to poor shelving methods made dispensers prone to unintentional errors during the dispensing procedure.

Recommendation:

The government of Uganda through the ministry of health should recruit adequate staff, the hospital director should encourage the dispensers to embrace medication error reporting systems, and there should be frequent organizations of CME in the hospital by the pharmacist and pharmacy in-charge, the ministry of health should provide adequate shelves for medicines to avoid medicine mix up while issuing to patients drugs.