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[Translated article] High-risk pediatric medications: A listing proposal by interdisciplinary consensus technique
Yolanda Hernández Gago1, Pedro J Alcalá Minagorre2, Belén Rodríguez Marrodán3
1Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.
Summary
A consensus list of 101 high-risk medications (HRM) was developed for pediatric hospital use. This tool aims to improve medication safety for all children, including those with excess body weight (EBW).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pharmacology
- Medication safety
- Hospital pharmacy
Background:
- Pediatric patients face higher risks of medication errors and harm.
- Identifying high-risk medications (HRM) is crucial for improving pediatric patient safety.
- Children with excess body weight (EBW) represent a vulnerable subgroup requiring specific attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create an updated, operational list of HRM for hospital use in children over two years of age.
- To achieve consensus on HRM through an interdisciplinary collaboration between pediatricians and hospital pharmacists.
- To support safety improvement strategies in pediatric medication management.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase approach was employed: initial bibliographic review followed by a double-round Delphi method.
- An interdisciplinary group of pediatricians and hospital pharmacists participated in the consensus process.
- Results were validated using statistical measures like the modified Kappa statistic.
Main Results:
- The initial review identified 26 drug classes and 96 drugs.
- A final consensus list of 101 HRM, spanning 24 pharmacological classes, was established.
- High inter-expert agreement (94.9%) was achieved through the Delphi method.
Conclusions:
- The developed list serves as a valuable tool for future research and interventions.
- It aims to enhance medication safety in the general pediatric population.
- The list is particularly relevant for high-risk pediatric subgroups, such as those with EBW.
Keywords:
Delphi studyDrug safetyErrores de medicaciónEstudio DelphiHigh-risk medicationHospitalización pediátricaMedicación de alto riesgoMedication errorsPediatric hospitalsPediatric populationPoblación pediátricaSeguridad del medicamentoMore Related Videos
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