As we were also faced with this issue in our clinical observations, we decided to evaluate the viewpoints of nurses about the types and causes of medication errors. Determining error types is the first step to prevent errors. However, according to the increased number of complaints from medical staff to courts and increased judiciary evidence, experts consider the rates of medication errors to be high in the mentioned countries. In the third world and developing countries, it is almost impossible to find the accurate number of medication errors due to lack of proper archiving and reporting systems as well as the absence of a data registration system. It is difficult to obtain accurate statistics of medication errors since previous studies have indicated that despite the myriad benefits and the moral basis for detection and reporting of errors, nurses hesitate in reporting their errors in order to protect themselves from possible administrative penalties and reactions of patients. Inappropriate use of drugs can impose additional hospitalization costs due to adverse medicinal effects and not receiving the required medication. Studies have suggested medication errors to prolong hospital stay by 2 days and to increase costs by $2000-2500 per patient.

The financial costs associated with these medical complications have been estimated as $77 million annually. According to previous research, thousands of Americans die due to these errors every year. Studies have shown that almost one-third of medicinal complications are due to medication errors.

The rates of nursing medication errors are high in both developed and developing countries. The reason is that nurses execute the majority of medical orders and spend about 40% of their time in the hospital to administer medicines. Although medication errors can be caused by all members of health care team, nursing medication errors are the most common. Medication errors can lead to adverse outcomes such as increased mortality, increased duration of hospitalization, and increased medical expenses. Giving medicine is probably one of the most critical duties of nurses since the resulting errors may have unintended, serious consequences for the patient. Medication errors can significantly affect patient safety and treatment costs and result in hazards for patients and their families. It is also the main component of nursing performance and has a prominent role in patient safety. Execution of medical orders is an important part of healing process and patient care. Many errors originate from the natural process of cognitive and behavioral adaptations which develop the correct behavioral skills. Errors are an integral part of human life.

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