title: The fate of pediatric prescriptions in community pharmacies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to describe behaviors of community pharmacists related to pediatric prescriptions and examine the effect of demographic and situational factors on behaviors and confidence in performing recommended activities when dispensing medications for pediatric patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study employed a self-administered survey of community pharmacists in a regional chain. One intervention group attended a live continuing education session. A second intervention group received a dosing guide in the mail. One month after the intervention, both intervention groups and a control group completed the survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty pharmacists participated, for a response rate of 61%. Obtaining a weight for a pediatric prescription was reported as difficult by participants, and 60% rarely obtained a weight if one was not provided. Only 32% of participants reported calculating a dose when the weight was available. The majority (92%) of participants stated they were confident in calculating a dose and detecting a dosing error for a child. Only the pharmacist's perception of the organizational culture correlated with their behaviors and level of confidence toward performing the activities surveyed (P < 0.005). Because of the small number of participants in the continuing education program, the impact of the intervention was unable to be measured.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pharmacists rarely check the accuracy of a weight-based dose for pediatric prescriptions, although they are confident in their ability to do so. Integrating this activity into the pharmacist's workflow and pharmacy culture is critical to reducing pediatric medication errors and promoting patient safety.
authors.affiliation: From the *University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy: Clinical and Administrative Sciences-Tulsa, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Tulsa, Oklahoma; and †California Northstate University College of Pharmacy, Sacramento, California.
authors.forename: Michelle E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Condren
authors.forename: Shane P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Desselle
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D010594:Pharmacies; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards*; D024382:Professional Role