Asia N Rashed1,2, Stephen Tomlin1,2, Sara Arenas-López2, Gillian Cavell3, Cate Whittlesea4. 1. Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK. 2. Pharmacy Department, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. 3. Pharmacy Department,, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. 4. Research Department & Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the rounding of prescribed drug doses for paediatric administration. METHODS: A cross-sectional medication chart review was conducted at a UK paediatric hospital. Proposed administration dose volumes were calculated for prescribed doses using available manufactured liquids measured with oral and intravenous syringes. Resulting percentage deviations in doses administered were calculated. RESULTS: Of 2031 doses observed, 524 (25.8%) required rounding. The majority of which were for children aged 1-12 months. Twenty-seven rounded doses deviated from the prescribed dose by more than 10%. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the impact of dose-rounding in paediatrics and the need for standardisation.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the rounding of prescribed drug doses for paediatric administration. METHODS: A cross-sectional medication chart review was conducted at a UK paediatric hospital. Proposed administration dose volumes were calculated for prescribed doses using available manufactured liquids measured with oral and intravenous syringes. Resulting percentage deviations in doses administered were calculated. RESULTS: Of 2031 doses observed, 524 (25.8%) required rounding. The majority of which were for children aged 1-12 months. Twenty-seven rounded doses deviated from the prescribed dose by more than 10%. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the impact of dose-rounding in paediatrics and the need for standardisation.