Medicine preparation errors in ten Spanish neonatal intensive care units.

Abstract

While calculation errors can be eliminated using protocols based on standard drug concentrations, accuracy error rates depend on several variables that affect both neonatal intensive care units and hospital pharmacy services. Medication use is associated with a risk of errors and adverse events. Medication errors are more frequent and have more severe consequences in paediatric patients. Lack of knowledge of drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in relation to physiological immaturity makes neonates more vulnerable to medication errors. Calculation errors are avoided using concentration standard preparation protocols. Accuracy in the preparation process depends mainly on the degree to which commercial drug preparations meet current legal requirements and the syringes and preparation techniques used.