Medication errors in neonatal care: A systematic review of types of errors and effectiveness of preventive strategies

BackgroundNeonates are particularly vulnerable to medication errors and may be at further risk of harm because of, immature renal and hepatic clearance of drugs, the use of very small doses, and the widespread use of off-label and unlicensed drugs.ObjectiveTo review the literature on the frequency and types of medication errors in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and the effectiveness of preventive strategies.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of the published literature from 2000 through 2013 for studies that examined the prevalence of medication errors and interventions used to reduce the incidence in NICUs.Results13 studies were identified describing medication errors, 13 about type of errors and 16 regarding interventions to improve medication safety.ConclusionsMedication errors are an avoidable cause of iatrogenic events in neonatal care settings. Evidence-based interventions implemented in collaboration with pharmacists, appear to be an effective way of reducing medication errors.