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Improving drug treatment for children: are we making an impact?

Stuart M MacLeod1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia and Child & Family Research Institute, British Columbia, Canada. smacleod@cw.bc.ca

Paediatric Drugs
|January 9, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Significant advancements in pediatric drug therapy are emerging, driven by new legislation and WHO initiatives. Mobilizing healthcare professionals is key to improving medication for children and youth globally.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacy and Pharmacology
  • Child Health Care

Background:

  • Global efforts are underway to improve drug therapy for children.
  • Progressive legislation in the US and Europe, alongside WHO initiatives like an essential medicines list for children, are building momentum.
  • Opportunities exist for research, education, and practice improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the current threshold of mobilizing expertise in child health care and pediatric pharmacy.
  • To emphasize the pursuit of worldwide improvements in drug therapy for children.
  • To identify remaining challenges in optimizing pediatric pharmacotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • This is a perspective piece, not a research study.
  • It synthesizes current trends and legislative actions in pediatric drug therapy.
  • It identifies areas for future development and collaboration.

Main Results:

  • Legislation and WHO initiatives are creating opportunities for better pediatric drug therapy.
  • Research, education, and practice improvements are expected to yield positive outcomes.
  • There is a recognized need for increased collaboration among professionals.

Conclusions:

  • The field is poised for major improvements in drug therapy for children.
  • Mobilizing a critical mass of healthcare professionals is essential for success.
  • Addressing the skills and collaboration of caregivers, pharmacologists, and pharmacists is paramount.

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