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Controversy Over Pediatric Errors

2008-04-14

Pediatric medication errors have been have been the subject of much controversy in recent months.

In response to the growing numbers of errors that are occurring in hospitals throughout the country, The Joint Commission has issued new guidelines in hopes of increasing patient safety.

Study’s Alarming Findings

A study that was recently conducted was one of the many things that provoked the new guidelines.

In the study, which was published in the journal, Pediatrics, researchers found that 7.3 percent of children under the age of 12 have experienced some type of adverse reaction to a medication given to them in a U.S. hospital.

According to Peter Angood, the vice president of The Joint Commission says that it’s studies such as this that have helped the significance of the problems that many Americans are experiencing when being treated at a hospital.

“We can, and we’re obligated to do better,” says Angood.

New Guidelines

The new guidelines were created partly for hospitals and partly for parents and they include the following tips:

Hospitals shouldn’t give children any high risk medications until they’re been weighed
Parents and caretakers are encouraged to ask questions and get information from doctors about the drugs that are being given to their children
Hospitals should weigh children in kilograms, which is the way that pediatric medication is calculated

(Source: CBS News)

Do you have a child who has been the victim of a pediatric error? If so, please contact us to speak with an experienced attorney who will enable you and your loved ones to receive the legal guidance you need and deserve.