A simplified gentamicin dosing chart is quicker and more accurate for nurse verification than the BNFc

• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2007.137026
• Publication Date: 2008-08-02T00:26:47Z
• Authors: E Wong; Z Taylor; J Thompson; D Tuthill
• Keywords: Regimen

<h3>Background:</h3> At least 5% of paediatric admissions are complicated by medication error. Nurses can prevent some errors correctly verifying prescriptions before administering drugs, which requires adequate drug calculation skills and familiarity with the BNFc. We wished to explore whether a newly devised chart would improve nurses' dose ability thus potentially reduce doctors' prescription errors. <h3>Aims:</h3> To calculate doses gentamicin for neonates children using new simple dosing compared <h3>Methods:</h3> Two charts (paediatric neonatal) multidisciplinary group simplify selection frequency were BNFc four questions (two neonatal, two paediatric) asking ward nurses doses. Answers scored both correct dosage frequency. <h3>Results:</h3> 51 participated. 11 (22%) answered all correctly. A higher proportion simultaneously when BNFc: 100% (51/51 chart) versus 80% (41/51 BNFc) (OR 0.20) neonatal 55% (28/51 35% (18/51 0.2). Errors due incorrect regimen (23%), wrong (17%) one 10-fold When chart, there no errors, only regimen. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> The was more reliable, quicker may be useful patient safety. Revising format beneficial nurses.