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Factors Associated With Dispensing Dosage Delivery Devices
Summary
Many pharmacies lack policies for dispensing dose delivery devices (DDDs) with liquid medications for children. Pharmacist practices vary, potentially increasing medication errors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacy Practice
- Medication Safety
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Imprecise medication measurement using household spoons is a significant cause of pediatric medication errors.
- Current regulations do not mandate the dispensing of dose delivery devices (DDDs) with liquid prescription medications.
- Pharmacy practice patterns regarding DDD dispensing are largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the frequency of dispensing DDDs with pediatric liquid prescriptions in Bronx, New York pharmacies.
- To identify pharmacy and pharmacist characteristics associated with DDD dispensing practices.
- To evaluate if instructions for DDD use are provided.
Main Methods:
- A telephone survey was conducted with senior pharmacists in all Bronx, New York pharmacies.
- The survey collected data on DDD availability, pharmacy policies, individual dispensing practices, and pharmacist experience.
- Pharmacies were identified using an online telephone directory.
Main Results:
- Most pharmacies (79.9%) had free DDDs available, and 97.8% offered them for purchase.
- A significant portion of pharmacies (59.7%) lacked a policy on dispensing DDDs.
- While most pharmacists dispensed and demonstrated DDD use, some (35.3%) still recommended household spoons, and experienced pharmacists were less likely to dispense devices.
Conclusions:
- Many pharmacies in Bronx, New York, operate without clear policies for dispensing DDDs with liquid medications.
- Variations in pharmacist dispensing practices, particularly influenced by years in practice, were observed.
- Standardizing pharmacy policies and practices for DDDs could potentially reduce medication measurement errors and associated child morbidity.
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