Medication safety for children with medical complexity

Abstract

Due to advances in medical care and innovations in health technology, many children with life-limiting conditions are now living longer. These children are often referred to as 'children with medical complexity (CMC)', and they are characterized by chronic conditions, increased health care utilization, and technology dependence. Their complexity of care and inherent fragility lead to higher risk for medication errors, both in-community and in-hospital. High rates of care fragmentation, miscommunication, and polypharmacy in CMC increase opportunities for error, particularly as children transition between health care settings and practitioners. Data on the factors contributing to higher risk of medication errors in this population and how they can be effectively addressed are lacking. This practice point provides clinical guidance for health care professionals to ensure medication safety when caring for CMC, with focus on practical strategies for outpatient and inpatient care.

Keywords: Adverse drug events; Children with medical complexity; Medication; Safety.