NY Times Report

2008-09-14 - The N.Y. Times reported today that 1 in 10 small children have big risks when it comes to medication and treatment errors.  The smaller the child, the bigger the injury when medical negligence happens. 

Children are not little adults. They have unique needs when it comes to taking medicine and getting treatments for illness or accident.  Allergic reactions, seizures, bleeding, and coma, in addition to cerebral palsy and brain damage are all potential disasters where bad medicine is practiced.

Giving children too much medicine or the wrong kind of medicine unfortunately happens all the time.  Unlike prescription drugs for adults, there are no standard doses or types of drugs for children.  Liquids, drops or chewable tablets have as many risks and benefits as pills for adults.  The key to avoiding catastrophe is knowing what medicines doctors want to give to children and why.

There are quick and direct things a parent can do to prevent the worst form happening to their kids, whether in the doctor’s office on in the hospital.  These include:  1.  proper identification of the child in a hospital or clinic—wear that bracelet.  2.  Ask about what is planned and why, but do it politely.  3.  Know your child’s medical history and medications-carry a list so there is no confusion.  4.  Ask questions about everything-that is a parent’s job as the child’s advocate.  5.  Be there and pay attention to what is happening-keep notes and use your cell phone to talk to others if you are uncertain. And most important, read the medicine labels-look on the internet or ask for more information about the drugs your child may need.

When you have the chance, talk with your child’s doctors before there is a crisis, especially if the child has an illness that requires regular medication or office visits.  Always ask for the same doctor if you can.  Do not assume that the doctor and nurses know what happened to your child during a visit three months earlier.  

If your infant has been injured by the carelessness of a Doctor or Nurse because of incorrect medication or other negligence, call us or click here for a free consultation.  The highest duty of care should be placed on health care professionals who treat the most vulnerable patients, those of such tender age they cannot even express their fear or pain.