Table 6 Multivariable logistic regression model for explanatory factors of medication errors associated with causing possible or probable harm (N = 11,540)

 Individual responsible for the medication error

Nurse or midwife

Doctor

0.690

0.618–0.771

< 0.001

Nurse or midwife

Pharmacist

0.327

0.267–0.401

< 0.001

Nurse or midwife

Patient or family

0.641

0.472–0.870

0.001

 Involvement of patient or family in identifying medication error

No

Yes

0.924

0.789–1.083

0.331

 Insufficient counselling of patient

No

Yes

3.511

2.512–4.908

< 0.001

 Patient movement across transitions of care

No

Yes

1.461

1.190–1.793

0.001

 Interruptions

No

Yes

1.432

1.012–2.027

0.043

 Covering personnel

No

Yes

1.490

1.113–1.995

0.007

 Double and single medication checking

Single checked

Double checked

0.905

0.826–0.991

0.032

 Misread or unread order

No

Yes

2.411

2.162–2.690

< 0.001

 Informal bedside conversations

No

Yes

1.221

1.085–1.373

0.001

 Error related to clinical handover

No

Yes

1.559

1.136–2.139

0.006

 Error related to prescribing processes using electronic systems

No

Yes

0.580

0.478–0.705

< 0.001

 Error related to electronic dispensing processes

No

Yes

0.350

0.199–0.618

0.001

 Error related to use of electronic systems to administer the medication

No

Yes

1.214

0.933–1.581

0.149