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What constitutes a prescribing error in paediatrics?

M A Ghaleb1, N Barber, B Dean Franklin

  • 1Centre for Paediatric Pharmacy Research, School of Pharmacy, University of London and Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK.

Quality & Safety in Health Care
|October 1, 2005
PubMed

Insights

A consensus definition for prescribing errors in pediatric practice was developed. This definition and guidance on specific scenarios will aid future research on medication safety in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Medication Safety
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Prescribing errors are a significant concern in pediatric healthcare.
  • A standardized definition is needed for accurate prevalence and incidence studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a practitioner-led definition of prescribing errors for pediatric practice.
  • To provide clear guidelines for identifying prescribing errors in children.

Main Methods:

  • A two-stage Delphi technique was employed with expert health professionals in pediatric settings.
  • Panelists reached consensus on a general definition and specific scenarios of prescribing errors.

Main Results:

  • Consensus was achieved on a general definition of prescribing errors.
  • 27 out of 40 scenarios were agreed upon as prescribing errors, with 3 considered context-dependent.
  • Key errors include communication failures, transcription mistakes, and inappropriate drug/dose selection.

Conclusions:

  • A robust definition of prescribing errors for pediatric practice has been established.
  • This definition and accompanying scenario guidance are suitable for future incidence and nature research.
  • Findings support improved medication safety monitoring in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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