Medication errors and adverse drug events in pediatric inpatients

JAMA. 2001 Apr 25;285(16):2114-20. doi: 10.1001/jama.285.16.2114.

Abstract

Context: Iatrogenic injuries, including medication errors, are an important problem in all hospitalized populations. However, few epidemiological data are available regarding medication errors in the pediatric inpatient setting.

Objectives: To assess the rates of medication errors, adverse drug events (ADEs), and potential ADEs; to compare pediatric rates with previously reported adult rates; to analyze the major types of errors; and to evaluate the potential impact of prevention strategies.

Design, setting, and patients: Prospective cohort study of 1120 patients admitted to 2 academic institutions during 6 weeks in April and May of 1999.

Main outcome measures: Medication errors, potential ADEs, and ADEs were identified by clinical staff reports and review of medication order sheets, medication administration records, and patient charts.

Results: We reviewed 10 778 medication orders and found 616 medication errors (5.7%), 115 potential ADEs (1.1%), and 26 ADEs (0.24%). Of the 26 ADEs, 5 (19%) were preventable. While the preventable ADE rate was similar to that of a previous adult hospital study, the potential ADE rate was 3 times higher. The rate of potential ADEs was significantly higher in neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit. Most potential ADEs occurred at the stage of drug ordering (79%) and involved incorrect dosing (34%), anti-infective drugs (28%), and intravenous medications (54%). Physician reviewers judged that computerized physician order entry could potentially have prevented 93% and ward-based clinical pharmacists 94% of potential ADEs.

Conclusions: Medication errors are common in pediatric inpatient settings, and further efforts are needed to reduce them.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Data Collection
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  • Hospitals, Pediatric / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hospitals, Teaching / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Inpatients / statistics & numerical data
  • Medication Errors / classification
  • Medication Errors / prevention & control
  • Medication Errors / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Management