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[Drug administration to paediatric inpatient]
1Pharmacie et laboratoire de toxicopharmacologie, hôpital Robert-Debré, Assistance-publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France. jean-eudes.fontan@jvr.ap-hop-paris.fr <jean-eudes.fontan@jvr.ap-hop-paris.fr>
Summary
Pediatric drug administration in France faces significant challenges, with many available medications unsuitable for children. This study highlights issues with drug suitability and administration practices, proposing solutions for improved pediatric patient care.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Drug Administration
Context:
- Commercial drugs available in France are often not suitable for pediatric inpatients.
- Current drug formulations and administration practices pose challenges for nurses caring for children.
Purpose:
- To identify and quantify difficulties encountered by nurses in administering oral and parenteral medications to pediatric inpatients.
- To propose solutions for the identified problems in pediatric drug administration.
Summary:
- A study involving 1,946 observations in 14 hospitals revealed significant issues with pediatric drug administration.
- Problems included incorrect drug dilutions, inappropriate formulations (e.g., injectable drugs for oral use), incorrect dosages, waste, and off-label use of medications.
- Specific challenges were noted for injectable drugs, liquid oral forms, capsules, tablets, and bagged medications.
Impact:
- Confirms the unsuitability of many commercial drugs for pediatric inpatients.
- Underscores the need for evidence-based recommendations and improved practices in pediatric drug administration.
- Provides a basis for developing corrective actions to enhance medication safety and efficacy in children.