Open AccessEvaluation of the practice of dose‐rounding in paediatrics
Author(s) -
Rashed Asia N.,
Tomlin Stephen,
ArenasLópez Sara,
Cavell Gillian,
Whittlesea Cate
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of pharmacy practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.42
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 2042-7174
pISSN - 0961-7671
DOI - 10.1111/ijpp.12549
Subject(s) - medicine , rounding , pediatrics , chart , emergency medicine , statistics , mathematics , computer science , operating system
Objectives To investigate the rounding of prescribed drug doses for paediatric administration. Methods A cross‐sectional medication chart review was conducted at a UK paediatric hospital. Proposed administration dose volumes were calculated for prescribed doses using available manufactured liquids measured with oral and intravenous syringes. Resulting percentage deviations in doses administered were calculated. Results Of 2031 doses observed, 524 (25.8%) required rounding. The majority of which were for children aged 1–12 months. Twenty‐seven rounded doses deviated from the prescribed dose by more than 10%. Conclusion This study highlights the impact of dose‐rounding in paediatrics and the need for standardisation.