Family perceptions of medication administration at school: errors, risk factors, and consequences
Daniel Clay1, Karen Farris, Ann Marie McCarthy
1College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
Summary
Children often forget medication doses or run out of medicine at school. This impacts schoolwork and friendships, especially for those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Medication Adherence Research
- School Health Services
Background:
- Medication administration in schools is common.
- Previous research focused on healthcare providers, not children or parents.
- Understanding the child's perspective on school medication management is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine children's and parents' experiences with school medication administration.
- Identify common problems and risk factors for medication errors.
- Assess the impact of medication errors on academic and social outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 157 children (ages 8-18) and their parents.
- Participants were from diabetes, asthma, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) clinics.
- Focused on medication administration challenges, errors, and consequences.
Main Results:
- Forgetting doses and running out of medication were primary issues.
- ADHD patients reported more missed doses than diabetes or asthma patients.
- Increased self-responsibility correlated with fewer reported medication errors.
Conclusions:
- Medication nonadherence at school can negatively affect educational and social functioning.
- ADHD medication issues disproportionately impacted schoolwork and peer relationships.
- Involving students in medication management planning is crucial for school nurses.
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