Medication Safety in Critically Ill Children

Medication safety is a primary component of a comprehensive safety program and an integral part of quality patient care. Effective and consistent implementation of safe medication practices is a complex and difficult task. Leadership, adequate resources, cultural change, adherence to proven safety processes, application of technologic advances, improved caregiver skills, and increased patient and family involvement are among the keys to improving medication safety. This article provides an overview of medication errors and safety strategies in critically ill pediatric patients.