Abstract

Yasir Ahamed H.*, Aravind K., Deepika H., Eshak Basha D.

ABSTRACT

Background: Medication dispensing errors are a significant patient safety concern in community pharmacy practice. Aim: To assess medication dispensing errors and their contributing factors among community pharmacists in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 108 registered community pharmacists using a validated structured questionnaire distributed through direct survey and Google Forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square test and one-sample t-test in MS Excel, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among the participants, 59.43% were aware of medication dispensing errors, while 53.77% identified look-alike/sound-alike drugs as high-risk medications. Most pharmacists agreed that preventive measures and error reporting improve pharmacy practice. Major contributing factors included lack of double-checking systems, similar drug names, and frequent interruptions during dispensing. Conclusion: Community pharmacists demonstrated moderate to good knowledge and positive attitudes toward medication dispensing errors. Strengthening double-checking systems, medication safety training and workflow management may help reduce dispensing errors and improve patient safety.