The effect of nurses' self-awareness on medical error tendency

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of nurses' self awareness levels on their tendency to medical errors Material and method: This cross-sectional study population consisted of 450 nurses working at Sabuncuoğlu Şerafettin Training and Research Hospital. The study was completed with 252 nurses who volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected between December 2023 and April 2024 using a "Personal Information Form", the "Self-Awareness Scale in Nursing Practice", and the "Medical Error Tendency Scale". Data analysis included frequency, percentage distribution, mean, standard deviation, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, One-Way ANOVA test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and simple linear regression analysis using the Enter method. Results: The total mean score of the nurses participating in the study on the "Self-Awareness in Nursing Practices Scale" was determined as 61.82±6.97, and it was determined that their self-awareness levels were at a moderate level. The total mean score of the nurses on the "Medical Error Tendency Scale" was determined as 225.50±16.92, and it was determined that their tendency to medical errors was low. The independent variable, the self-awareness level of nurses, explained 29.3% of the dependent variable, the tendency to medical errors. It was determined that the sub-dimensions of "Conscientious", "Professional" and "Individual" awareness positively predicted the tendency to medical errors.. Conclusion: It was found that nurses' conscientious, professional and personal awareness affected their tendency to make medical errors. Based on these findings, it is recommended to plan educational programs and interventions aimed at enhancing nurses' conscientious, professional, and individual awareness. Keywords: Nurse, Self-awareness, Tendency to medical error