Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events in Pediatric Inpatients

Article Abstract:

Medication errors and adverse drug reactions are common in pediatric hospitals, according to a study of 1,120 children admitted to a hospital. Out of 10,778 medication orders, researchers discovered 616 medication errors, 115 potential adverse drug reactions and 26 adverse drug reactions. Five of the 26 adverse drug reactions could have been prevented.

Care and treatment, Statistical Data Included, Children

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Incidence of adverse drug events and potential adverse drug events: implications for prevention

Article Abstract:

Injury due to errors in drug prescribing and usage is common and preventable. Researchers examined 247 adverse drug events (ADEs) and 194 potential ADEs reported in a six month period at two large Massachusetts hospitals. An ADE is defined as an injury from a drug which is administered medically. Of the adverse drug events 70 were considered preventable. In 83 of the potential ADEs, mistakes were recognized before the drug was given. A total of 101 drugs were used in the 247 ADEs. The most common drugs involved were were morphine, meperidine, and oxycodone. The rate of ADEs was highest in intensive care units. The most serious ADEs tended to be the most preventable. Preventable ADEs appear to be commonly caused by ordering errors, especially incorrect drug dosages. The mistakes are costly to the health care system, and are a major cause of hospital injuries. Better delivery systems should be developed that will spot errors.

Accidents, Hospital patients

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Systems analysis of adverse drug events

Article Abstract:

Improvements in delivery systems are needed to control the number of errors made in the ordering, dispensing and administering of drugs. Systems should be designed that discourage mistakes and allow for quick detection of errors. A total of 334 errors were linked to 264 preventable adverse drug incidents in a six-month period at two large hospitals. Thirty-nine percent of the errors were found in physician ordering. Lack of knowledge about the drug was the most common cause, accounting for 98 errors. Systems that assure the right drug is given in proper dosage appeared deficient, causing 40 errors. Other significant mistakes were attributed to the lack availability of patient information, faulty transcription of physicians' orders and patient allergy information. Nurses often interceded in correcting physician's orders.

Health aspects, Evaluation, Systems analysis

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