Parental calculation of pediatric paracetamol dose: a randomized trial comparing the Parental Analgesia Slide with product information leaflets.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the ability of parents to calculate and demonstrate the correct paracetamol (acetaminophen) dose, interval, and frequency for their child when using either product information leaflets or the Parental Analgesia Slide.


BACKGROUND
Prescribing information provided with over-the-counter medication may be a source of confusion for parents delivering analgesics to children at home. Accurate administration is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment of children's pain or fever. The Parental Analgesia Slide is a new device developed with the objective of improving parental dosing accuracy.


METHODS
In this prospective, randomized study, 160 parents accompanying children aged between one and 13 years old were randomly allocated to complete a paracetamol dose calculation and administration questionnaire using one of two sources of prescribing information. Absolute percentage dose error and the number of correct dosage intervals, frequencies, and demonstrated drug volumes were compared.


RESULTS
Use of the Parental Analgesia Slide resulted in a reduction in the absolute percentage dose error from a median of 33.3 to 0% (P < 0.001) and an increase in the number of correct dosage intervals and frequencies (59/80 to 70/80, P = 0.046). There was no difference in the number of correctly demonstrated drug volumes (P = 0.082) despite a greater number of parents opting to use an oral syringe rather than a dosing spoon when using the Slide (24/80 to 44/80, P = 0.002).


CONCLUSIONS
The Parental Analgesia Slide resulted in improved parental ability to calculate paracetamol dose, interval, and frequency while preserving their ability to demonstrate an accurate drug volume.
Hixson
Richard
R
Department of Anaesthesia, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Darlington, UK. Richard.Hixson@cddft.nhs.uk
Franke
Uwe
U
Mittal
Rohit
R
Hamilton
Mika
M
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000293:Adolescent; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004348:Drug Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010290:Parents; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen