<b>INCIDENCE AND PREDICTORS OF MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION ERRORS AMONG NURSES AT MEDICARE HOSPITAL MULTAN.</b>

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of medication administration errors (MAEs) among nurses and to identify nurse-related and system-related predictors associated with the occurrence of these errors at Medicare Hospital, Multan. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted. The study was conducted among registered nurses working in inpatient units of Medicare Hospital, Multan. A total sample of nurses was selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire designed to assess the frequency, types, and contributing factors of medication administration errors. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) were used to calculate the incidence and types of errors, while inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis, were applied to identify significant predictors of medication administration errors. Results ; The findings indicated that a substantial proportion of nurses reported experiencing at least one medication administration error during their clinical practice. The most frequently reported errors were wrong time administration (approximately 38–45%), wrong dose (25–30%), omission of medication (18–22%), and documentation errors (15–20%). Inferential analysis revealed a statistically significant association between medication administration errors and high nurse-to-patient ratios (p < 0.01), extended working hours (>8 hours per shift) (p < 0.05), frequent interruptions during medication rounds (p < 0.01), and limited clinical experience (<5 years) (p <0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified workload (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] ≈ 2.1), interruptions during medication administration (AOR ≈ 2.5), and fatigue (AOR ≈ 1.9) as significant predictors of medication administration errors. Conclusion: The study concluded that medication administration errors among nurses are common and significantly influenced by modifiable nurse-related and system-related factors. High workload, staffing shortages, fatigue, and interruptions during medication administration were the strongest predictors of MAEs. Strengthening staffing patterns, reducing interruptions, and providing continuous education on medication safety are essential strategies to minimize medication administration errors and improve patient safety outcomes.