Iatrogenic complications in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

With the introduction of novel technologies and approaches in neonatal care and the lack of appropriately designed and well-executed randomized clinical trials to investigate the impact of these interventions, iatrogenic complications have been increasingly seen in the neonatal intensive care unit. In addition, increased awareness and the introduction of more appropriate quality control measures have resulted in higher levels of suspicion about and increased recognition of complications associated with delivery of care. The incidence of complications also rises with the increased length of hospital stay and level of immaturity. Approximately half of the iatrogenic complications are related to medication errors. The other complications are due to nosocomial infections, insertion of invasive catheters, prolonged mechanical ventilation, administration of parenteral nutrition solution, skin damage and environmental complications. Adopting newer technologies and preventive measures might decrease these complications and improve outcomes. Quality improvement projects targeting areas for improvement are expected to build team spirit and further improve the outcomes. In addition, participation in national reporting systems will enhance education and provide an opportunity to compare outcomes with peer institutions.

Medical errors in neonatal intensive care unit at Benha University Hospital, Egypt

“…This agrees with a previous report that medication errors comprised 13% of total iatrogenic events (16), whereas other studies have reported that medication errors represented 68.5% of total errors (15). Another study found that half of the iatrogenic complications in the NICU were related to medication errors (9). Thus, we found wide variation between our own and other results.…”

Quality Use of Medicines – medication safety issues in naming; look-alike, sound-alike medicine names

“…[2] For example, approximately half of the iatrogenic complications that occur in neonatal intensive-care settings are related to medication errors. [6] Broadly speaking, medication errors can be characterised as errors in the prescribing (including dose calculations), supply (dispensing) or administration of medicines, which include the elements of drug ordering, transcribing, communication, product labelling, packaging and nomenclature, compounding, dispensing, distribution, administering, monitoring, education and use. [1,3] Interpreting the literature is complicated by variations in terminology.…”

Iatrogenic Skin Disorders and Related Factors in Newborn Infants

“…Almost all diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and maneuvers can potentially promote ISIs. An IE may be defined as any event that occurs during hospitalization that compromises the safety of the patient, even if the patient is not harmed .…”

“…Almost all diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and maneuvers can potentially promote ISIs. An IE may be defined as any event that occurs during hospitalization that compromises the safety of the patient, even if the patient is not harmed (1,3,4). The more premature and smaller a neonate is, the more immature the organs and severe the developmental abnormalities are and the greater the number of general problems, infections, essential interventions, and procedures.…”