Iatrogenic illness in the paediatric intensive care unit at Gharian teaching hospital, Libya

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Intensive Care
• Patient Safety
• Medical Complications

Background:

• Iatrogenic illnesses pose a significant threat to patient outcomes in intensive care settings.
• Understanding the incidence and risk factors of iatrogenic complications is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
• Previous research has highlighted the impact of medical errors and system failures on patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and risk factors of iatrogenic illness in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
• To investigate the outcomes, including mortality, associated with iatrogenic complications.
• To identify predictors of iatrogenic illness and mortality in critically ill children.

Main Methods:

• A prospective follow-up study was conducted over a 1-year period.
• Data were collected from 423 cases admitted to a teaching hospital's PICU in Libya.
• Statistical analysis was used to identify incidence, causes, risk factors, and outcomes, including the Paediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) score.

Main Results:

• The incidence of iatrogenic complications was 22.9%, with human error (18.4%) and machine defects (4.5%) as primary causes.
• Mortality rate was 7.6% overall, significantly higher in iatrogenic cases (13.4%) versus non-iatrogenic cases (5.8%).
• Higher PRISM score, mechanical ventilation, high bed occupancy, respiratory/neurological diseases, prolonged stay, and younger age were associated with increased risk.

Conclusions:

• Iatrogenic complications are common in this PICU setting and are associated with increased mortality.
• Human error is a major contributor, emphasizing the need for enhanced patient safety protocols.
• The PRISM score is a valuable predictor of iatrogenic risk, guiding clinical management and resource allocation.