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Survey-based investigation into the current use of paediatric medicines and administration devices in China
Shangjie Lian1, Yixiao Liu2, Luomeng Xu2
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Insights
Accurate medicine delivery for children requires proper devices. A China-wide survey found common oral forms like granules, syrup, and tablets are well-accepted with measuring cups and household spoons, but pharmacist roles need defining for better device education.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Medication Administration Devices
- Patient Adherence
Background:
- Accurate medication administration in children is crucial but challenging due to unique patient needs.
- Inappropriate pediatric medication use is a global issue, with wide variations in device handling observed internationally.
- Limited data exists on pediatric administration devices in China, where options are fewer than in Europe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a nationwide survey in China to understand children's and caregivers' perspectives on pediatric medicines and administration devices.
- To identify commonly used oral dosage forms and administration devices in the pediatric population in China.
- To explore the need for enhanced education and the role of healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists, in improving pediatric device use.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey conducted across China.
- Inclusion of 215 children (aged 1 to <18 years) and 749 caregivers.
- Data collection focused on medication forms, administration devices, and healthcare professional guidance.
Main Results:
- Oral dosage forms (granules, syrup, tablets) were used by 83% of participants.
- Measuring cups (47.3%) and household spoons (41.1%) were the most common devices and were well-accepted.
- Inhalation devices like nebulizers and facemasks were frequently used, with users receiving more instruction.
- Data showed variation with child's age but not significantly with region.
Conclusions:
- Common oral dosage forms and simple devices like measuring cups and household spoons are widely accepted by Chinese children and caregivers.
- There is a need to better define the role of pharmacists in China to improve education on pediatric medical device operation.
- Enhanced healthcare professional guidance, especially from pharmacists, can improve the safe and effective administration of medications to children.
Abstract:
The accurate, rapid and convenient administration of medicines to children is not possible without the use of appropriate administration devices. However, due to the unique nature of this patient population, inappropriate paediatric medication administration has been widely observed worldwide. According to previous surveys carried out in other countries including the UK and Japan, there has been a wide variation in the handling of paediatric devices among children. To date, little is known about the current situation in China where the variety of available paediatric administration devices is more limited than in Europe and the UK. The aim of this study was therefore to conduct a China-wide survey to gain a better understanding of the perspectives of children and their caregivers on paediatric medicines and devices. This study was conducted throughout China with 215 children as well as 749 caregivers of paediatric year groups from 1 to less than 18 years old. The majority of participants (83%) took oral dosage forms where granules, syrup and tablets were ranked as the Top 3 commonly used oral dosage forms. The most commonly used devices, i.e., measuring cups (47.3%) and household spoons (41.1%) were both well accepted by the vast majority of children. More instruction and demonstration by the healthcare professionals were provided to inhalation devices users with the nebuliser and facemask being the most commonly used. In particular, the role of pharmacists in China is expected to be better defined, which may in turn help with the education provided to paediatric users in operating medical devices. The data collected varied considerably with the age of children but not statistically significantly with the region in which the survey was conducted.
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