Martina P Neininger1, Patricia Buchholz1,2, Roberto Frontini1,2, Wieland Kiess3, Werner Siekmeyer3, Astrid Bertsche3, Manuaela Siekmeyer3, Thilo Bertsche1. 1. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany. 2. Pharmacy Department of the University Hospital Leipzig and Drug Safety Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany. 3. Department of Women and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents and Center for Pediatric Research, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To identify incompatible intravenous drug combinations in routine paediatric intensive care and evaluate physician and nurse knowledge. METHODS: In a university paediatric intensive care unit, intravenous drug incompatibilities were analysed using a database and physician and nurse knowledge of incompatibilities was assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: We analysed 665 prescriptions in 87 patients. Incompatible drug administration was identified in 9 (10%) of the 87 patients with a median of 3 different incompatibilities per patient (Q25/Q75: 1/3). We found 26 incompatible combinations. The most frequently involved drugs were cefotaxime, pantoprazole and vancomycin. A median of 10 of the 15 drug combinations were correctly assessed as compatible or incompatible (Q25/Q75: 8/11). Pantoprazole had a low number (20%) of correct answers. CONCLUSIONS: One in 10 patients in paediatric intensive care was affected by drug incompatibility, with knowledge deficits seen in a third of assessed combinations. This indicates quality improvement strategies should be urgently implemented by pharmacists.
OBJECTIVES: To identify incompatible intravenous drug combinations in routine paediatric intensive care and evaluate physician and nurse knowledge. METHODS: In a university paediatric intensive care unit, intravenous drug incompatibilities were analysed using a database and physician and nurse knowledge of incompatibilities was assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: We analysed 665 prescriptions in 87 patients. Incompatible drug administration was identified in 9 (10%) of the 87 patients with a median of 3 different incompatibilities per patient (Q25/Q75: 1/3). We found 26 incompatible combinations. The most frequently involved drugs were cefotaxime, pantoprazole and vancomycin. A median of 10 of the 15 drug combinations were correctly assessed as compatible or incompatible (Q25/Q75: 8/11). Pantoprazole had a low number (20%) of correct answers. CONCLUSIONS: One in 10 patients in paediatric intensive care was affected by drug incompatibility, with knowledge deficits seen in a third of assessed combinations. This indicates quality improvement strategies should be urgently implemented by pharmacists.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cefotaxime; Drug Incompatibility; Intravenous Drug Administration; Paediatric Intensive Care; Pantoprazole; Patient Safety; Prescription; Vancomycin
Authors: Thilo Bertsche; Carolin Veith; Alexander Stahl; Torsten Hoppe-Tichy; F Joachim Meyer; Hugo A Katus; Walter E Haefeli Journal: Pharm World Sci Date: 2010-08-07
Authors: Thomas Jack; Martin Boehne; Bernadette E Brent; Ludwig Hoy; Harald Köditz; Armin Wessel; Michael Sasse Journal: Intensive Care Med Date: 2012-04-12 Impact factor: 17.440