Pediatrik sıvı ilaç dozaj hatalarının ve aile bakım veren bireylerin ilaçlarla ilgili bilgi memnuniyetinin değerlendirilmesi

Background and Objective: Ensuring accurate dosing of liquid medications in pediatric populations is of paramount importance for both treatment efficacy and patient safety. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of liquid medication dosing errors in pediatric patients and associated factors along with parental satisfaction with information about medicine provided by healthcare providers. Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving parents or legal guardians over 18 years old who administer liquid medication to children aged ≤8 years. A minimum sample size of 397 participants was determined. Parent's satisfaction with counseling information was evaluated using the SIMS questionnaire. Dosing accuracy was evaluated by requesting the parent's measure of 2.5 ml, 5 ml, and 7 ml of liquid paracetamol and comparing it to the standard dose using calibrated cylinders. Dosing errors were defined as deviations of ≥20% from prescribed doses. Ethical approval and written consent were secured prior to data collection. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results: Totally 397 patient families responded. Overall 49% were women and 93% of these women were the child's mother. More than 90% of respondents reported being knowledgeable of indications, dosing techniques, and duration of medications for their children. Parents report both pharmacists and physicians (31%) to educate them regarding their disease or medicine. A total of 46% reported that they use spoons or dosing cups during the administration of liquid medications. Following evaluation of parents dose-measuring of 2.5 ml, 5ml, and 7ml the following readings (mean±SD, (range)) were attained respectively: 3.64±1.067 (2-7); 5.57±1.24 (3-12); 8.49±1.846 (4-17). Conclusion: In Turkey, the prevalence of inaccurate dosing practices among parents necessitates advanced counseling strategies and standardized dosing tools to improve pediatric medication administration. Healthcare providers' role in enhancing parental knowledge and promoting standardized instruments, like oral syringes, emerges as crucial for safe and effective dosing.