ASSESSING GEORGIAN NURSES' KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES ON SAFE MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION: GAPS AND COMPLIANCE CHALLENGES.

Abstract

Aim of study: Ensuring the safe administration of medications is a critical component of effective clinical care and patient recovery. Healthcare professionals' educational backgrounds significantly influence patient safety by fostering analytical thinking and sound clinical judgment. In Georgia, while most hospital nurses hold professional-level qualifications, the absence of mandatory licensing and continuing education raises concerns about sustained competency. This study examines the knowledge and attitudes of Georgian hospital nurses toward safe medication administration to identify gaps and inform safety-enhancing interventions.

Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative study used stratified random sampling (SRS) to ensure regional representation. The required sample size was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI), 5% margin of error (ME), and a 50% response distribution (RD). Based on an estimated population of ~22,000 hospital nurses in Georgia, the minimum sample size was 378. The final sample size was increased to 400 to mitigate potential non-response or incomplete data. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire containing closed- and open-ended items. Knowledge and attitudes toward medication safety were analyzed by gender, age, education level, and employment location (capital vs. regional hospitals) using validated measurement scales (VMS).

Results: The findings revealed that 78% of nurses demonstrated basic knowledge of medication safety, only 52% were familiar with high-alert medications, and just 46% routinely double-checked dosages. Regarding attitudes, 64% acknowledged the importance of safe administration, yet 39% reported feeling time-constrained, impacting adherence to protocols. Additionally, 33% indicated a lack of institutional support or standardized guidelines. These results point to significant gaps in knowledge and practice.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for standardized training and national safety protocols to reduce risks and improve medication safety in Georgian hospitals. Targeted educational interventions are essential to support safer, more effective care.