Medical errors in pediatric practice.

This prospective study was conducted in a teaching hospital to identify and analyze medical errors in pediatric practice. All admitted children underwent surveillance for medical errors. Of 457 errors identified in 1286 children, medication errors were 313 (68.5%), those related to treatment procedures were 62 (13.6%) and to clerical procedures 82 (17.9%). Physiological factors accounted for 125 (27.3%) of errors, equipment failures in 68 (14.9%), clerical mistakes 118 (25.8%), carelessness 98(21.4%) and lack of training for 48 (10.5%). Morbidity was nil in 375 (82%), mild in 49 (10.7%), moderate in 22 (4.8%) and severe in 11 (2.4%) errors.