Therapeutic errors among children in the community setting: Nature, causes and outcomes

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of therapeutic errors among children in the community setting. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study of 491 consecutive cases reported to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre, between January 2006 and March 2007. A total of 450 (91.7%) parents/carers were followed up by telephone approximately 48 h after the initial call. The main outcome measures were the nature, causes and outcomes of the errors and actions taken or recommendations given to avoid future errors. Results: The majority of children (334, 68.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 63.7, 72.1) were aged ≤3 years. Incorrect and double dosage accounted for 279 (56.8%,..