Analysis of Adverse Events Occurring in Ordered KIDs List Medications Administered to Pediatric Patients at Diamond Children’s Hospital at Banner University Medical Center

Abstract

Specific Aims: This study aims to examine prescribing practices and potential side effects linked to KIDs list medications at Diamond Children’s Hospital, Banner University Medical Center Tucson in 2022. Methods: The study utilized a descriptive, retrospective analysis. A chart review was conducted to identify patients who received KIDs list medications. The chart review focused on identifying adverse effects, evaluating alerts generated during prescribing and dispensing, and monitoring for adverse reactions occurring within 48 hours of medication administration. KIDs list medications prescribed to patients in the cautionary age range were considered inappropriately prescribed. Results: The study found that 9.86% of KIDs list medications administered to children at Banner Diamond Children’s Medical Center were inappropriately prescribed. In the group inappropriately prescribed these medications, 1.01% experienced an adverse reaction, none of which was severe. Out of 198 patients who were inappropriately administered KIDs list medications, only 29 of these patients were administered a medication where avoidance was recommended. Additionally, a total of 95 alerts were generated during the verification process. The majority of these alerts were related to duplicate therapy (27) and were linked to weight-based dosing alerts (34). Conclusion: This study provides a foundational understanding of prescribing practices related to KIDs List medications. However, there remains a need for ongoing evaluation and improvement in pediatric medication safety protocols. In the future, it would be beneficial to duplicate this study across multiple in-patient sites over an extended period of time. Addressing these challenges may lead to safety optimizations that will improve outcomes in pediatric populations.