Course Overview

Start this Ausmed Course now to learn about the unique considerations involved in safely and effectively treating paediatric patients with medications.

Topics

• Overview of paediatric populations in Australia
• Paediatric pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• Common paediatric medication issues
• Medication safety and practical tips for administration
• The inequity of medication access for paediatric populations

Need

The administration of medications is a high-risk area for nurses and other healthcare professionals; therefore, accessible education providing up-to-date information is necessary in order to promote medication safety and avoid the potentially catastrophic consequences that can arise from medication errors. For medication-based topics in particular, it is crucial that this education is aligned with the latest evidence and covers any relevant new medications in order to inform best practices.

Purpose

The purpose of this course is to provide best-practice education that increases the confidence of nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals when caring for infants and children requiring medication administration in order to minimise medication errors and maximise positive patient outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences in how various paediatric populations handle medications.
• Describe considerations when recommending medications for common paediatric conditions.
• Explain the implications and challenges of recommending medications for paediatric populations.
• Develop strategies to champion medication safety and reduce medication risks for paediatric populations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of paediatric information sources to confidently address carer concerns.

Target Audience

This Ausmed Course is intended for nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals (such as pharmacists and paramedics) who may be involved in the medication administration process for infants and children.

Disclosure

No conflict of interest exists for anyone in the position to control content for this activity. Wherever possible, generic or non-proprietary names of medications or products have been used.

Educators

Presented by

Treasure McGuire View profile

Associate Professor Treasure McGuire is an experienced clinical pharmacist, educator, and researcher. She has worked in a wide range of pharmacy practice settings – women’s and newborn health, medicines information, medication safety and toxicology – in Australia, USA, and the Netherlands. Treasure received the Lilly International Fellowship in Hospital Pharmacy and, In 2015, she was the recipient of the Sr Eileen Pollard Medal (Mater Research-UQ) for excellence in incorporating research into clinical care provision.