Identification of Errors in Pediatric Prescriptions and Interventions to Prevent Errors: A Survey of Community Pharmacists.

objectivesAssess the competency of community pharmacists in identifying errors in pediatric prescriptions and to determine how often pharmacists perform interventions known to mitigate the likelihood of error. The study sought to recognize factors that may impact the pharmacist's ability to identify and mediate these errors, and to detect barriers that limit the role of the pharmacist pediatric patient care.

methodsA survey was distributed through the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy Alumni Network and the Illinois Pharmacists Association email listservs. Pharmacists practicing in a retail setting within the last 5 years were included. Three prescription scenarios for commonly used pediatric medications with corresponding questions were created to assess a pharmacist's ability to identify errors. Demographics pertaining to the pharmacist and the practice site, as well as information about dispensing practices, were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify factors that might impact the pharmacists' ability to identify errors.

resultsOne hundred sixty-one respondents began the survey and 138 met inclusion criteria. In 15% to 59% of scenario-based questions, pharmacists did not appropriately identify errors or interventions that would decrease the likelihood of error. Correct identification of doses was associated with total prescription volume in one scenario and with pediatric prescription volume in another scenario. Pharmacists did not consistently label prescriptions for oral liquids in milliliters or dispense oral syringes. Barriers to pharmacist involvement included availability and interest of the caregiver, ability to contact prescriber, and pharmacy staffing.

conclusionCommunity pharmacists did not consistently identify medication errors or use interventions known to mitigate error risk.