Piloting Medication Histories in a Pediatric Postanesthesia Care Unit

Abstract

Purpose: Develop a medication history process for pediatric postanesthesia care unit (PACU) patients to identify discrepancies between home and inpatient medications and prevent medication errors.

Design: Pilot an evidence-based practice change to perform PACU medication histories.

Methods: Inpatients or surgical admissions to general care units at a pediatric tertiary care 348-bed hospital ages 2-18 years were included. Parents/guardians were asked about their child's prescription and over-the-counter medications, allergies, and adherence. Data included patient age, surgery, medication categories, and error classifications. Information was compared to the patient's medical record.

Findings: From June to July 2016, 75 medication histories were performed, covering 44.6% of eligible cases within the period. Seventy-four discrepancies were found, the most frequent being omission. The medication category with the most errors was vitamins/herbals/supplements.

Conclusion: The workflow designed assessed discrepancy frequency and type in surgical patients' medication lists when transitioning from the PACU to general care units.

Keywords: discrepancy; omission; pediatrics; pharmacy.