Background Although prescribing errors (PEs) are the most common type of medication errors and cause morbidity and mortality, they have been rarely studied. Objective The study aimed to investigate PEs incidence, types, severity, causes, predictors, pharmacists’ interventions accepted by doctors and computer-related errors. Setting This study was conducted in the emergency department of the largest governmental hospital in Jordan. Method This was a retrospective observational 4-week study. A validated definition of PEs was adopted, and errors were identified by direct observation of all prescriptions. Structured interviews with doctors to assess the causes of errors were conducted within three days of the prescription date; the severity of PEs was rated by a committee. Main outcome measure Prescribing errors incidence, types, severity, causes, predictors, pharmacists’ interventions accepted by doctors and computer-related errors. Results For 1330 patients, 3470 medication orders were r