The tolerance they have for an error is very, very small. Researchers say until medication errors can be routinely prevented, parents need to be much more vigilant about the care their children receive in hospitals. The parent needs to be aware that hospitals are dangerous places. The study found that nine in 10 potentially harmful effects of these mistakes could have been prevented. At Montefiore Medical Center in the New York borough of the Bronx, a new computer system is cutting dangerous errors for the smallest patients, for whom the correct dosage is crucial.
Computers help doctors ensure that each dosage is right.
It calculates for the physician what the correct dose of drug should be for that age and weight child. The doctors use a rolling, mobile computer unit that connects to the main hospital system. The hospital staff can get almost immediate access to X-rays and a patient's medical record. Doctors type in every detail of a patient's care. The computer warns when there are duplicate orders and questionable dosages.