Demographic and Experiential Predictors of Medication Management Competency Among Nursing Interns: A NABH Aligned Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:
Medication management is a critical component of nursing practice, directly influencing patient safety and quality of care. Variations in clinical competency among nursing interns varies, influenced by demographics and experience, warranting NABH-standardized evaluation.

Objective:
To identify the association between demographic variables and predictors of baseline clinical skill scores in medication management among nursing interns using a NABH standards-based assessment approach.

Methods:
A cross-sectional analytical study using baseline data derived from a quasi-experimental design among 400 nursing interns using non-probability purposive sampling technique. The clinical skill scores were assessed using a structured NABH-based observational checklist. Chi-square tests, independent t-test and multiple linear regression analysis, were applied to determine associations and predictors.

Results:
The majority of interns demonstrated average clinical skill levels (64%) (mean 13.08 ± 2.08), with 26% showing poor and 10% good competency. No significant difference was observed between experimental and control groups at baseline (p > 0.05). Significant associations were emerged between clinical skill scores and area of clinical posting (χ² = 6.82, p = 0.033), previous training (χ² = 8.40, p = 0.004), and average daily clinical duty hours (χ² = 18.62, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified clinical posting (β = 0.31, p = 0.010), previous training (β = 0.38, p = 0.004), and duty hours (β = 0.29, p = 0.008) as significant predictors, explaining 34% of the variance (R² = 0.34, F=16.85, p<0.001). Demographics like age/gender were nonsignificant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:
Clinical competency in medication management is primarily influenced by experiential and training-related factors rather than demographic characteristics. Strengthening structured training, enhancing clinical exposure, and optimizing duty hours are essential to improve competency and ensure patient safety.