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Variables associated with medication errors in pediatric emergency medicine.
Eran Kozer1, Dennis Scolnik, Alison Macpherson
1Division of Emergency Services, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. eran.kozer@sickkids.on.ca
Pediatrics
|October 3, 2002
Summary
This study found that prescribing errors occur in 10.1% of pediatric emergency department visits. Trainees and seriously ill patients are at higher risk for these medication errors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Patient Safety
- Medication Errors
Background:
- Medication errors are a significant cause of preventable harm in healthcare.
- The incidence and characteristics of medication errors in pediatric emergency departments (EDs) remain under-described.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and types of drug errors in a pediatric ED.
- To identify factors associated with an increased risk of medication errors in this setting.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study analyzed charts of 1532 children treated in a pediatric tertiary care hospital ED.
- Two independent pediatricians reviewed charts for medication errors and severity, with disagreements resolved by consensus.
Main Results:
- Prescribing errors were identified in 10.1% of patient charts.
- Factors associated with increased error risk included: early morning hours (4-8 AM), severe patient illness, medication ordered by trainees, and weekend visits.
- Trainees exhibited higher error rates early in the academic year.
Conclusions:
- Trainees are more prone to prescribing errors in the pediatric ED.
- Seriously ill pediatric patients face a higher risk of experiencing prescribing errors.