Empowering Evidence- Utilizing Appraisal Tools for Critical Analysis of Published Research
Empowering Evidence- Utilizing Appraisal Tools for Critical Analysis of Published Research
The research articles under scrutiny shed light on the pervasive issue of pediatric medication errors and offer valuable insights that can inform evidence-based best practices in healthcare settings. The critical appraisal of these studies reveals a consistent theme—identification and mitigation of contributing factors to pediatric medication errors can significantly enhance patient safety.
One notable best practice that emerges from the reviewed research is the implementation of standardized protocols and checklists in medication administration. Bante et al. (2023) emphasize the importance of creating a suitable working environment and education/training opportunities for healthcare professionals. Standardized protocols can act as a structured guide, ensuring adherence to medication administration rights and minimizing errors. Conn et al. (2020) similarly highlight the significance of incident reports in directing improvement efforts, suggesting that the establishment of clear protocols can streamline reporting and facilitate a proactive approach to risk management.
D’Errico et al. (2022) propose a best practice that involves comprehensive clinical risk management throughout the medication process. This includes standardization of practices, electronic prescribing systems, and targeted training programs. The authors argue that a holistic approach can effectively address various stages of treatment and contribute to a culture of safety within healthcare organizations.
Feyissa et al. (2020) advocate for the incorporation of electronic prescribing systems and collaboration with clinical pharmacists to reduce medication errors. Their findings underscore the importance of technological interventions in minimizing errors related to prescription and transcription.
In summary, the critical appraisal of the research suggests that the implementation of standardized protocols, checklists, comprehensive risk management strategies, and technological interventions, such as electronic prescribing systems, represents a best practice in mitigating pediatric medication errors. These practices align with the broader goal of enhancing patient safety and can be instrumental in guiding evidence-based interventions in healthcare settings.
References
Bante, A., Mersha, A., Aschalew, Z., & Ayele, A. (2023). Medication errors and associated factors among pediatric inpatients in public hospitals of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Heliyon, 9(4), e15375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15375
Conn, R. L., Tully, M. P., Shields, M. D., Carrington, A., & Dornan, T. (2020). Characteristics of reported pediatric medication errors in Northern Ireland and use in quality improvement. Pediatric Drugs. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40272-020-00407-1
D’Errico, S., Zanon, M., Radaelli, D., Padovano, M., Santurro, A., Scopetti, M., Frati, P., & Fineschi, V. (2022). Medication errors in pediatrics: Proposals to improve the quality and safety of care through clinical risk management. Frontiers in Medicine, 8(814100). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.814100
Feyissa, D., Kebede, B., Zewudie, A., & Mamo, Y. (2020). Medication Error and Its Contributing Factors Among Pediatric Patients Diagnosed with Infectious Diseases Admitted to Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia: Prospective Observational Study. Integrated Pharmacy Research and Practice, Volume 9, 147–153. https://doi.org/10.2147/iprp.s264941
Hoare, Z., & Hoe, J. (2013). Understanding quantitative research: Part 2. Nursing Standard, 27(18), 48–55.