Have you ever wondered how the medication prescribing process may be supported by a Clinical Decision Support tool in pediatrics? And how it is integrated into the existing ICT infrastructure? We proudly present to you our newly published article in the well-respected European Journal of Pediatrics " Description of a clinical decision support tool with integrated dose calculator for paediatrics”.

pädiatrie schweiz (Swiss Society of Pediatrics) has published recommendations under the title "choosing wisely" on five measures that are usually unnecessary and have potential for adverse effects. All of these "Top 5" concern drug therapy - the benefit-risk ratio for the corresponding use is unfavourable, and therefore it is indicated to forgo treatment. We strongly support these Top 5, congratulate pädiatrie Schweiz for their valuable work and wish them every success in their implementation!

Data from Japan show that 40% of all neonates in neonatal intensive care units received doses exceeding the acceptable daily intake of potentially harmful excipients. Exposure could be reduced by replacing these medicines with available alternatives. In our database, the data on excipients and suitability by age group, especially for premature and newborn infants, are available with just a few clicks.

An interesting study regarding the implementation of a pediatric CPOE (Computerised Physician Order Entry) shows: "The vulnerability analysis highlighted the need to configure a Clinical Decision Support system that can identify inappropriate dosing instructions for pediatric patients." The results of the study clearly point out that the implementation of a CPOE without a Clinical Decision Support tool for pediatric dosages does not improve the number of 'inappropriate orders'.

The new year starts with good news for pediatrics: The software behind PEDeDose has recently been certified as a Class IIa medical device. This means that we fulfil the mandatory conditions of the Medical Device Regulation as of May 2021. After meticulous testing, the conformity assessment body TÜV SÜD has confirmed that PEDeDose meets the highest requirements. To our knowledge, this makes us the only European provider of a clinical decision support tool for dosing drugs for children which meets all regulatory requirements.

The results of a recently published analysis of medication errors in pediatrics - reported via CIRS - show an already well-known picture: dosing errors are by far the most common cause of critical incidents. In their recommendations for preventing medication errors, the authors particularly emphasise the correct dosage calculation and the identification of high-risk situations.

A few days ago, the Swiss National Council unanimously voted in favour of legislating the use of "Clinical Decision Support" tools in pediatric clinics and in public pharmacies. This follows last year's recommendation by the Federal Council and the Council of States to approve the motion of Councillor Stöckli. Politicians are thus sending a clear signal and setting the target: Drug safety for children must be increased in Switzerland.

Download white paper (in German)

A WHO comparison of five paediatric dosage guidelines for 32 commonly used antibiotics shows a significant heterogeneity. Although some differences may be justified (epidemiology, risk factors, antibiotic resistance), others cause confusion. In particular, it is criticized that in many cases neither the rationale behind the dosage recommendations nor the evidence from these sources is given.

Congratulations to the Pediatric Pharmacy Association for their immense work on the KIDs List! This provides us with a list of inappropriate drugs differentiated by age of the child, including the strength of recommendation and quality of evidence. For the older population the Beers Criteria List is already well established. Let's hope that the KIDs list will also lead to an improvement in medication safety - for children!