Evaluation of Drug-related Knowledge and Clinical Skills among Future Healthcare Professionals
Muhammad Shahid Iqbal *
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad Zahid Iqbal
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, 08100, Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
Sawri Rajan
Family Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, 08100, Bedong, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
Nehad J. Ahmed
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The main objective of this study was to determine and compare current drug-related knowledge and clinical skills in terms of medication error identification among future healthcare professionals.
Methods: Study participants were asked to identify errors in three different prescriptions. Around 15 minutes were given to complete the questionnaire without using any references in a classroom setting. The medication error identification rate was calculated based on the number of students that have identified the errors correctly.
Results: Among 225 respondents, significant differences were found between the three groups, i.e. Prescription 1 p=0.001, Prescription 2 p=0.023, Prescription 3 p=0.024. Pharmacy students had higher medication error identification rate compared to medical and nursing students.
Conclusion: Final year pharmacy students were found to have the best drug-related knowledge and clinical skills in terms of medication error identification.
Keywords: Clinical skills, drug-related knowledge, future healthcare professionals, patient safety.