Exploring the Need for Health Information Technology Adoption in the Pediatric and Neonatal Medication Administration...

IntroductionMedication administration in pediatric and neonatal care is complex and high-risk due to weight-based dosing and rapid physiological changes. Health information technology (HIT) offers promising solutions to enhance safety through tools like dose calculators and clinical decision-support systems. This study explored nurses' experiences with the medication administration process (MAP) to identify HIT-driven solutions for safer practices.MethodsAs part of a larger project to develop a knowledge-based decision support system, a conventional qualitative content analysis was conducted. Data from interviews and observations of 19 nurses across seven hospital units were analyzed inductively using the Lundman and Graneheim method and validated by expert review.ResultsAnalysis identified one main category and four subcategories. Nurses emphasized the complexity of dose calculations, the high risk of medication errors, and a pressing need for structured change. Findings highlighted that technological interventions are crucial to improve workflow efficiency, enhance accuracy, and reduce errors. Integrating digital tools was found to foster better peer collaboration, improve care quality, decrease burnout, and create a safer, more efficient medication process.ConclusionKey recommendations emphasized implementing advanced decision support systems for dose calculation and error alerts, integrating intelligent EHR features such as automated double-checks, and adopting a user-centered design approach in developing these digital tools.