Give Xml by measure: does paediatric hospital discharge counselling improve the carer's ability to accurately measure liquid medicine?

Abstract

Background

Parents and carers are often required to administer liquid medication to children, however they may measure the wrong dose, and this can cause serious harm. The literature identifies two strategies to improve liquid medication administration: (i) Ensure the administrator has access to an appropriate measuring device. (ii) Provide education to the administrator about how to use the measuring device accurately.

Objectives/Aims

To determine if counselling from a clinical pharmacist and the provision of an oral syringe marked at the correct dose improves a parent's or carer's ability to measure liquid medicine accurately.

Method

A prospective single-arm pre-post study was conducted within the Paediatric and Adolescent Unit of Ballarat Base Hospital. Eligible participants were the carers of a child who had been prescribed liquid medication to be administered following discharge. Each participant was asked to measure two volumes of liquid using an oral syringe. The first was measured without guidance to assess their ability to use the syringe before being instructed on its use. The second occurred following medication counselling provided by the paediatric clinical pharmacist. During counselling the participant was provided with an oral syringe marked to indicate the prescribed dose. This syringe was used for the second measurement. Each syringe was evaluated for plunger position, the presence of air bubbles affecting the final volume measured and the actual volume of liquid measured to assess the participant's accuracy.

Results

Twenty-five participants were recruited. Following counselling 96% (n=24) drew the plunger to the correct calibration mark, compared with 60% (n=15) before counselling. The presence of air bubbles in the measured liquid was more than halved and more participants measured the correct actual volume of liquid after receiving counselling (68% versus 36% pre-intervention). Participants also reported improved confidence in their ability to measure liquid medicine after counselling.

Implications/Outcomes for Planned Research Project

This study highlights the importance of education as a tool to empower carers to accurately measure liquid medications which will improve health outcomes for children.

Final Thoughts

Counselling by a clinical pharmacist and the provision of an oral syringe improved carers' ability to accurately measure liquid medication and improved the carer's confidence in their ability to use an oral syringe.