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Background: Nurses may make medication errors during the implementation of therapeutic interventions, which initially threaten the patient's health and safety and prolong their hospital stay. These errors have always been a challenge for healthcare systems. Given that factors such as the timing, type, and causes of medication errors can serve as suitable predictors for their occurrence, we have decided to conduct a review study aiming to investigate the prevalence of medication errors and the associated factors among Iranian nurses. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies were searched on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, IranMedex, Magiran, and SID databases using a combination of keywords and Boolean functions. The study that reported the prevalence of medication errors among nurses in Iran without time limitation up to May 2023 was included in this study. Results: A total of 36 studies were included in the analysis. The analysis indicates that 54% (95% CI: 43, 65; I2 = 99.3%) of Iranian nurses experienced medication errors. The most common types of medication errors by nurses were wrong timing 27.3% (95% CI: 19, 36; I2 = 95.8%), and wrong dosage 26.4% (95% CI: 20, 33; I2 = 91%). Additionally, the main causes of medication errors among nurses were workload 43%, fatigue 42.7%, and nursing shortage 38.8%. In this study, just 39% (95% CI: 27, 50; I2 = 97.1%) of nurses with medication errors did report their errors. Moreover, the prevalence of medication errors was more in the night shift at 41.1%. The results of the meta-regression showed that publication year and the female-to-male ratio are good predictors of medical errors, but they are not statistically significant(p > 0.05). Conclusions: To reduce medication errors, nurses need to work in a calm environment that allows for proper nursing interventions and prevents overcrowding in departments. Additionally, considering the low reporting of medication errors to managers, support should be provided to nurses who report medication errors, in order to promote a culture of reporting these errors among Iranian nurses and ensure patient safety is not compromised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of acquiring blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus through needlestick injuries (NSIs). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of needlestick injuries and other related indicators among HCWs in Iran through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods We searched various databases until the end of May 2023 for studies reporting the prevalence of NSIs among healthcare workers in Iran. We used a random model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to analyse the data and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool to evaluate the quality of included studies. We conducted and reported the study according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results We included 87 studies in the analysis and found that 47% (95% CI = 42-52, I2 = 98.9%) of Iranian HCWs experienced NSI. NSIs were most frequently related to syringe needles (58%; 95% CI = 52-65, I2 = 96.8%) and most often caused by recapping (30%; 95% CI = 22-38, I2 = 98.5%). In this study, 56% (95% CI = 45-67, I2 = 98.6%) of HCWs with NSIs did not report their injury. Moreover, the prevalence of NSIs the highest in the morning shift (0.44; 95% CI = 0.36-0.53, I2 = 97.2%), emergency unit (0.20; 95% CI = 0.16-0.24, I2 = 93.7%), and intensive care unit (0.20; 95% CI = 0.16-0.24, I2 = 94.3%). Conclusions To reduce the high prevalence of NSIs, HCWs, especially those in emergency departments, should use safety equipment. Healthcare managers should provide a calm and stress-free environment for HCWs, educate them on safety principles and standards, and support experienced HCWs with NSIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]