Use of checking systems in medicines administration with children and young people

This study aimed to establish which policies are in place for checking medication administration in UK children's units and to discuss evidence to support the use of different checking processes. It involved a questionnaire survey (n=105) in 69 UK hospitals of children's nurses and pharmacists. In the hospitals surveyed, most administrations of oral and intravenous medications were checked by two registered children's nurses. Evidence suggests a role for single and double checking depending on risk assessment. Robust research is needed to further evaluate these processes.