Pediatric medication safety considerations for pharmacists in an adult hospital setting.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-16-2019
Identifier
DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxz168
Abstract
PURPOSE: Risks and vulnerabilities of the medication-use process in nonpediatric institutions that also serve pediatric patients are reviewed, and guidance on risk mitigation strategies is provided.
SUMMARY: There are many risks and vulnerabilities in the medication-use process as it relates to pharmacotherapy for pediatric patients admitted to adult institutions. Mitigation of these risks is critical and should encompass various available resources and strategies. Special emphasis should be placed on use of technology to improve overall safety. Available literature recommends optimization of technology and resource use, institutional support for pediatric pharmacists' involvement in managing pediatric medication use, and provision of early exposure to pediatric patients in pharmacist training programs as additional methods of mitigating risks associated with pediatric medication use in adult institutions. Adult hospitals that provide care for pediatric patients should assess their processes in order to identify hospital-specific interventions to promote pediatric medication safety.
CONCLUSION: Pediatric medication safety frameworks in U.S. adult institutions vary widely. Treating pediatric patients involves risks in all areas of the medication-use process. Optimizing technology, utilizing external resources, supporting a pediatric pharmacist, and providing early-career exposure to pediatric patients are methods to mitigate risks in institutions that primarily serve adult patients.
Journal Title
American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Volume
76
Issue
19
First Page
1481
Last Page
1491
MeSH Keywords
Adult; Age Factors; Child; Clinical Pharmacy Information Systems; Drug Compounding; Drug Dosage Calculations; Education, Pharmacy; Education, Pharmacy, Continuing; Humans; Medical Order Entry Systems; Medication Errors; Medication Therapy Management; Pharmacists; Pharmacy Service, Hospital; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Professional Role; Safety Management
Keywords
adult; medication safety; nonpediatric; pediatri
Recommended Citation
Kennedy AR, Massey LR. Pediatric medication safety considerations for pharmacists in an adult hospital setting. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2019;76(19):1481-1491. doi:10.1093/ajhp/zxz168
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