Parents' Medication Administration Errors: Role of Dosing Instruments and Health Literacy

摘要: Objectives To assess parents' liquid medication administration errors by dosing instrument type and to examine the degree which health literacy influences accuracy. Design Experimental study. Setting Interviews conducted in a public hospital pediatric clinic New York, between October 28, 2008, December 24, 2008. Participants Three hundred two parents of children presenting for care were enrolled. Main Outcome Measures Parents observed accuracy (5-mL dose) using set standardized instruments (2 cups [one with printed calibration markings, other etched markings], dropper, spoon, 2 oral syringes without bottle adapter]). Results The percentages accurately (within 20% recommended 30.5% cup markings 50.2% while more than 85% dosed remaining instruments. Large (>40% deviation) made 25.8% 23.3% markings. In adjusted analyses, associated increased odds making error (>20% compared syringe (cup markings: ratio [AOR] = 26.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 16.8-42.4; AOR = 11.0; CI, 7.2-16.8). Compared syringe, also large AOR = 7.3; 4.1-13.2; AOR = 6.3; 3.5-11.2). Limited was (AOR = 1.7; 1.1-2.8). Conclusions Dosing highly prevalent droppers, spoons, or syringes. Strategies reduce should address both accurate use literacy.