Parents of children under 6 years old in the US make a medication error every 8 MINUTES, on average.
Yes, you read that right, that is every 8 minutes.
These are the findings of a vast research done over the course of a decade by Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, analyzing cases reported to the National Poison Data System.
Since only reported cases were included, the actual numbers are probably higher.
What were the implications?
Though many did not require more than a doctor's visit, many others resulted in hospitalizations and long-term health implications. 25 cases ended in death.
The problem is so serious and persistent that the American Academy of Pediatrics, in December 2021, released a policy - Preventing Home Medication Administration Errors.
Over 200,000 errors reported by parents yearly
Error rates are higher with younger children
27% of errors caused by double dosing
Pain relievers and cough & cold medicine comprise 50% of errors
Nearly 5000 cases resulted in ICU admissions
Why Is This Happening?
Multiple Caregivers
Miscommunication between parents/partners is a major pain point.
Add a grandparent, other relative, or a babysitter, and it gets much worse.
Experience & Knowhow Challenges
Vast majority of parents are new to frequent dosing, liquid formulations and unique aspects of children's medicine administration. A multitude of new instructions elevates error rates.
Tiredness & Stress
Confusion
Caring for a sick child through the night.
Juggling care with work and other commitments. Worrying for your child's health.
Confusion is almost inevitable.
High Frequency of Fever Episodes
It's normal for babies and toddlers 0-3 years old to have a fever episode up to 12 times a year!
With so many to go through, errors are more frequent.
More Than One Child In the Family
Having one sick child means, more often than not, that other children in the house will get sick, too.
Dosing multiple children at a time means all these risks, multiplied.
There are other challenges, too.
Managing your child's health at home involves unique aspects.
What works great for an adult managing their own medicine does not address your needs as a parent or caregiver.
Why?
Because you do it A LOT.
Children go through many fever & sickness episodes.
You need a safe and efficient way to MANAGE AS-NEEDED MEDICINE.
1
Because you CO-MANAGE.
Be it the other parent, partner, relative, or any other caregiver, COORDINATION IS KEY.
You need a SYSTEM THAT PROVIDES A SUPERB CO-MANAGEMENT TOOL.
2
Because CHILDREN ARE MORE SENSITIVE.
A skipped or delayed dose that may be ok for an adult could possibly be dangerous for a child, or damage their progress.
You need a MEDICINE MANAGEMENT TOOL THAT WAS DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THIS SENSITIVITY.
3
Because PROGRESS MONITORING IS CRUCIAL.
Yes, it's important for adults, too, but children taking ongoing medication need specific monitoring to address aspects of growth and development.
You need a PROGRESS MONITORING TOOL BUILT SPECIFICALLY FOR THESE NEEDS.
4
