1 out of 15 Hospitalized Children May Be Harmed by Drug Mistakes
Posted on April 7th, 2008 by knologies
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A new detection mechanism for harmful or incorrect use of medicines in hospitals has shown that 1 in 15 hospitalized children are the victims of mix-ups, overdoses, and harmful reactions to drugs prescribed during hospital stays. This translates to 540,000 kids afflicted every year. The report also indicates:
Patient safety experts said the problem is likely even bigger than the study suggests because it involved only a review of selected charts.Also, the study didn't include general community hospitals, where most U.S. children requiring hospitalization are treated.Luckily, most of the reactions are not severe and cause no damage. But, there is always the potential that something tragic could occur. When children are admitted to a hospital it is definitely a worrisome and troubling time for parents. This news will surely make that time even more stressful, however the best way to ensure something like this is prevented is to inquire caregivers what they are giving your child and why when they treat your child.