[Medication errors in neonatology: a review].

Area of Science:

• Medical Safety
• Neonatal Care
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Medication errors are the most frequent medical errors, leading to preventable adverse events.
• Neonates face a higher risk of medication errors compared to older populations.
• Errors can occur at any stage: ordering, dispensing, and administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the prevalence and impact of medication errors in healthcare.
• To emphasize the heightened vulnerability of neonates to medication errors.
• To identify key areas for intervention to reduce adverse drug events.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of reported medication errors across different stages of the medication process.
• Review of factors contributing to drug errors, including human and system-based causes.
• Examination of detection methods influencing reported error frequencies.

Main Results:

• Medication errors are a leading cause of adverse events, with most being preventable.
• Neonates are disproportionately affected by medication errors.
• System analysis reveals that both human and system errors contribute to drug errors.

Conclusions:

• Preventive strategies for medication errors necessitate a thorough system analysis.
• Interventions in neonatal intensive care units should prioritize staff awareness and the medication administration process.
• Reducing medication-related adverse events requires a focus on system improvements and personnel education.