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[Errors for delivery medications through gastrostomy devices: study of 109 children]

L Pélissier-Delour1, L Michaud, M Pourrat

  • 1Unité de gastroentérologie, d'hépatologie et de nutrition, hôpital Jeanne-de-Flandre, CHRU de Lille, université de Lille-II, 59037 Lille, France.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|October 9, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Drug administration errors are common in children using gastrostomy tubes, particularly in institutionalized or neurologically impaired individuals. Improving medication delivery through gastrostomy devices is crucial for patient safety.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Pharmacy
  • Patient Safety

Context:

  • Gastrostomy tubes are widely used for medication delivery in children.
  • Current practices for drug administration via gastrostomy devices lack standardization.
  • Potential risks associated with improper drug administration are not well understood.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate drug administration methods used with gastrostomy devices in pediatric patients.
  • To identify and classify errors occurring during medication delivery through gastrostomy tubes.
  • To explore factors influencing the frequency of these administration errors.

Summary:

  • A study of 109 children found frequent errors in drug administration via gastrostomy tubes, including issues with drug formulation (galenic), preparation, physico-chemical interactions, and tube flushing.
  • Institutionalized children experienced significantly more errors (78%) compared to those at home (25%).
  • Neurologically impaired children showed a higher incidence of galenic errors (57%).

Impact:

  • Highlights the prevalence of potentially dangerous medication errors in pediatric gastrostomy tube use.
  • Identifies specific error types and risk factors, such as institutionalization and neurological impairment.
  • Underscores the need for standardized protocols and improved caregiver education for safer drug administration.
Abstract

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