Pediatric Medication Safety: A Modified American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement
Emily A. Chapski, Dr. April H. Choi, and Dr. Ashley D. Hastings and Dr. Shannon DaSilva
Doctor of Nursing Practice Project at Baylor University;
Medication errors in the home setting pose a significant risk to pediatric patients1. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provided a comprehensive policy statement to address medication safety concerns in children in the home setting. A 90-day quality improvement (QI) project based on the AAP policy statement was implemented at Peekaboo Pediatrics, Ascension Lockhart, and Santa Teresa Pediatric clinic for parents of children aged six months to two years old. Data collection was completed through chart audits and direct observation. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project included 1,439 pediatric patients across three clinics with objectives that aligned with the AAP policy statement. Main objectives include provider documentation of medication education and the provision of oral dosing syringes with a medication dosing chart. This DNP project highlights the importance of collaborative effort in pediatric primary care settings for preventing home medication errors.
DOI: 10.29245/2578-2940/2025/3.1185 View / Download PdfExploring and Addressing Barriers to Multidisciplinary Simulation Training in Paediatrics
Olivia J Tolson
St Richard’s Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Spitafield Lane, Chichester, PO19 6SE United Kingdom.
Multidisciplinary simulation training is crucial in paediatric education, providing a safe environment to enhance technical and non-technical skills, especially for high-risk, low-frequency events. Despite evidence of improved patient outcomes and reduced errors, widespread implementation faces significant barriers. This review explores current obstacles and strategies to overcome them, aiming to advance paediatric care.
Multidisciplinary simulation training demonstrably improves teamwork, communication, and clinical performance in paediatric acute care, leading to reduced medical errors and improved patient outcomes. However, pervasive barriers hinder its integration, including logistical issues (e.g., staff reallocation, coordination), financial constraints, and cultural resistance (e.g., fear of judgment, lack of psychological safety). Organisational challenges like insufficient leadership support and protected time, alongside educational complexities in curriculum design and debriefing, also limit effective implementation. Case studies highlight successful strategies, such as brief in-situ sessions, strong leadership advocacy, and fostering psychologically safe environments.
Overcoming these multifaceted barriers requires a concerted effort. Key priorities include securing sustainable funding, integrating simulation into routine workflows, promoting psychological safety, and gaining strong leadership buy-in. Future research should focus on evaluating long-term patient outcomes and developing standardised assessment tools to ensure multidisciplinary simulation training effectively prepares healthcare professionals and improves paediatric patient safety.
DOI: 10.29245/2578-2940/2025/2.1184 View / Download Pdf