[Mistakes in drug prescription during simulated pediatric resuscitations and other urgency procedures].

INTRODUCTION: The probability of making mistakes in the prescription of medicines is high in pediatrics, and substantially increases in emergency situations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational study analyzed the prescriptions issued by physicians during 23 cardiopulmonary resuscitation pediatric emergency training sessions.

RESULTS: During 94 simulated cases, 96 physicians participated. Forty-four prescriptions on paper were analyzed (48%) including 120 doses. Twelve medication errors were found (10%, CI 95%: 5.517.2). Stress was identified as the primary cause of prescription mistakes.

CONCLUSIONS: Drug prescription mistakes frequently occurred during pediatric emergency simulations.