The Role of Pharmacist-Led Interventions in Reducing Medication Errors in Pediatric Hospitals: Review

Abstract

Background: Medication errors (MEs) pose significant risks to patient safety, particularly in pediatric populations where the potential for harm is heightened. Clinical pharmacists play a crucial role in mitigating these errors and enhancing the safety and efficacy of medication management in hospitals.

Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of pharmacist-led interventions on reducing medication errors and avoidable adverse drug events (ADEs) in hospitalized pediatric patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE®, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Database, up to 2022. Nineteen studies were included, focusing on the categories of medication errors that prompted pharmacist interventions.

Results: The findings indicated that incorrect dosages were the predominant reason for pharmacist intervention, with significant reductions in medication errors observed across multiple studies. The meta-analysis revealed a 73% decrease in prescription mistakes resulting from pharmacist interventions, particularly during the prescribing phase. Training sessions conducted by pharmacists for healthcare professionals were identified as the most effective intervention strategy. The aggregate odds ratio across studies was 0.27 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.49), demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in medication errors.

Conclusion: The integration of clinical pharmacists within pediatric hospital settings is essential for enhancing medication safety. Their interventions not only reduce the incidence of medication errors but also improve overall patient care quality. Future research should explore pharmacist roles in outpatient settings and assess the long-term impact of their interventions.