The relationship between professional commitment and medical error tendency in nurses; a cross-sectional study

This study was conducted to examine the potential relationship between the degree of professional commitment and the tendency to medical errors among nurses. This research surveyed 248 nurses in a state hospital in Gaziantep, Turkey, using a cross-sectional, correlational design between September and November 2019. The collection of data was executed through the utilization of the Descriptive Features Form, the Medical Error Tendency Scale (METSN), and the Nursing Professional Commitment Scale (NPCS). Among participants, 60.5% reported not witnessing medical errors, and 78.2% reported not making errors. Nurses’ professional commitment was above average, and their medical error tendency was low. Although a positive correlation was found between NPCS and METSN scores (r=0.17, p=0.005), higher scores on the METSN scale indicate lower medical error tendency. Therefore, this positive statistical correlation reflects a negative association between professional commitment and the tendency to make medical errors. Higher professional commitment is associated with a lower tendency toward medical errors. Educational programs, supportive activities, and legal regulations are recommended to strengthen professional commitment and decrease error risk.