Rational use of medicine in the pediatric age group: A summary on the role of clinical pharmacists

Abstract

Medication errors (ME) and adverse drug reactions still continue to be the important factors for out- and in-patient treatments. MEs are critical troubles in all hospitalized populations that can increase length of hospital stay, expenses, mortality and morbidity. In many countries, clinical pharmacists have been involved in reducing MEs from years ago. A growing body of evidence suggests that pharmacist interventions have major impact on reducing MEs in pediatric patients, thus improving the quality and efficiency of care provided. This paper presents a literature review on the role of clinical pharmacists in reducing MEs, and underscores the importance of pharmacist-physician-patient collaboration for all patients notably in the pediatric age group.

Keywords

• Clinical pharmacy; medication error; children; prevention