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Prevalence of Medication Errors Among Paediatric Inpatients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Peter J. Gates

    (Macquarie University)

  • Melissa T. Baysari

    (The University of Sydney)

  • Madlen Gazarian

    (University of NSW Sydney)

  • Magdalena Z. Raban

    (Macquarie University)

  • Sophie Meyerson

    (Macquarie University)

  • Johanna I. Westbrook

    (Macquarie University)

Abstract

Introduction The risk of medication errors is high in paediatric inpatient settings. However, estimates of the prevalence of medication errors have not accounted for heterogeneity across studies in error identification methods and definitions, nor contextual differences across wards and the use of electronic or paper medication charts. Objective Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide separate estimates of the prevalence of medication errors among paediatric inpatients, depending on hospital ward and the use of electronic or paper medication charts, that address differences in error identification methods and definitions. Methods We systematically searched five databases to identify studies published between January 2000 and December 2018 that assessed medication error rates by medication chart audit, direct observation or a combination of methods. Results We identified 71 studies, 19 involved paediatric wards using electronic charts. Most studies assessed prescribing errors with few studies assessing administration errors. Estimates varied by ward type. Studies of paediatric wards using electronic charts generally reported a reduced error prevalence compared to those using paper, although there were some inconsistencies. Error detection methods impacted the rate of administration errors in studies of multiple wards, however, no other difference was found. Definition of medication error did not have a consistent impact on reported error rates. Conclusions Medication errors are a frequent occurrence in paediatric inpatient settings, particularly in intensive care wards and emergency departments. Hospitals using electronic charts tended to have a lower rate of medication errors compared to those using paper charts. Future research employing controlled designs is needed to determine the true impact of electronic charts and other interventions on medication errors and associated harm among hospitalized children.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter J. Gates & Melissa T. Baysari & Madlen Gazarian & Magdalena Z. Raban & Sophie Meyerson & Johanna I. Westbrook, 2019. "Prevalence of Medication Errors Among Paediatric Inpatients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," Drug Safety, Springer, vol. 42(11), pages 1329-1342, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:drugsa:v:42:y:2019:i:11:d:10.1007_s40264-019-00850-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s40264-019-00850-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Josephine Henry Basil & Chandini Menon Premakumar & Adliah Mhd Ali & Nurul Ain Mohd Tahir & Noraida Mohamed Shah, 2022. "Prevalence, Causes and Severity of Medication Administration Errors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," Drug Safety, Springer, vol. 45(12), pages 1457-1476, December.

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