Comparison of the effects of medication error encouragement training and problem-based scenario on the medication safety competence and knowledge of nursing students: A quasi-experimental study

Background: Medication errors among nursing students pose a threat to medication safety. Medication Error Encouragement Training and Problem Based Scenario are two innovative educational methods used in medication education. Aim: Compare the effects of Medication Error Encouragement Training and Problem Based Scenario on the knowledge and competency of medication safety among nursing students. Design: Quasi -experimental, double-blind, two-group pretest-posttest study. Method: This study was conducted in 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received the Medication Error Encouragement Training method, while the other group was taught using the Problem-Based Scenario method. Data collection was performed using the Medication Safety Critical Element Checklist and Medication Safety Knowledge Assessment before and four weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16. Results: The Pair t-test demonstrated that the change in competency and knowledge scores of medication safety before and after the intervention was significant in both groups (P< 0.05). The results of the Mancova test indicated a significant increase in medication safety competency scores in the Medication Error Encouragement Training group compared with the Problem Based Scenario group after the intervention (P< 0.05), while there was no significant difference in medication safety knowledge scores between the two groups after the intervention (P> 0.05). Conclusion: The Medication Error Encouragement and Problem Based Scenario methods were effective in increasing the knowledge and competency of medication safety among students, but the effectiveness of the Medication Error Encouragement method was more pronounced in achieving safe medication administration.