6353 DRUGGL: together we learn to improve prescribing practice

Objectives Prescribing errors in paediatrics can inadvertently cause significant harm to children and young people. There are a multitude of contributing factors including individualised calculations, medication formulation, and a high turnover of junior doctors who may be unfamiliar with prescribing in paediatrics. This QIP aims to increase awareness of common prescribing errors and improve prescribing practice. Methods We collected baseline data from drug charts using a standardised data collection sheet. We introduced DRUGGL in May 2023, with a weekly 5–minute drug huddle attended by doctors and nurses, led by a Consultant Paediatrician or Paediatric Registrar. An electronic DRUGGL poster (e-DRUGGL) is then circulated to all Paediatric staff members (figure 1). It contains three learning points, one drug-related fact, and a drug error identifying quiz section – 'I spy with my little eyes'. We review the drug charts for improvement monthly. Results Review of data showed there was a significant number of mistakes being made suggesting improvement was needed. Only 43.75% of drug charts in May 2023 had 100% of the medications prescribed correctly. By July 2023 100% of the drug charts reviewed had no prescription errors. (+56.25% improvement) Demographic data was correct in most instances with 100% of drug charts having patient name, DOB and weight written in all three months The missing data included Patient number, consultant name and allergy status. The prescriptions were reviewed with data analysed to find the most common errors. (See chart 1) Areas which proved to have repeated errors on drug charts included No antibiotic review date (–18.88% from May to July) No antibiotic indication (–7.62%) Areas showing an improvement included Appropriate dose (+6.82%) Appropriate units (+20.45%) Appropriate route (+4.5%) Appropriate frequency (+13.95%) Prescriber name and signature (+64.44%) Stopped medication signed and dated (+28.57) Areas which were worsening significantly included Fluid rate was correctly written in only 50% of the drug charts reviewed in July compared to the 83% of prescriptions in May. Conclusion An overall improvement was seen following the introduction of the weekly Druggl ward rounds. This was seen with statistics as discussed as well as positive feedback received from the paediatric staff including junior doctors and Consultants. Having an awareness of the difficulties junior doctors face when rotating in paediatrics incorporating weekly teaching sessions helped to address common errors and improve overall prescribing practices.