Evaluation of Drug-related Knowledge and Clinical Skills among Future Healthcare Professionals

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.