{
  "abstract": "Aim Medicines reconciliation is a well-established safety intervention, but within paediatrics, particularly in district general hospitals (DGHs), the process can present unique challenges. DGH teams often work with limited staffing, may lack access to specialist services, and face issues such as unlicensed formulations, variation in supply routes, and communication barriers between primary, secondary, and tertiary care, which can further complicate the process. While national guidance on medicines reconciliation exists, there are no resources tailored specifically to paediatrics. 1 This project aimed to explore current practices, challenges, and training needs among pharmacy staff working in paediatric wards, to inform the development of a practical, nationally accessible training package.Method A subgroup of the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacy Group (NPPG) with a focus on district general hospitals (DGH) designed a 17-question online survey. Questions were developed collaboratively and focused on practical aspects of paediatric drug histories, sources of information used, perceived challenges, confidence in practice, and the availability of local policies. The survey was distributed to all NPPG members. Results were analysed by the subgroup to identify key themes and inform next steps.Results 115 responses were received: 45% (52/115) from DGHs and the rest from tertiary or teaching hospitals. Medicines reconciliation is performed daily by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in 68% (78) of the responses. Parents/carers were the primary information source (100%), followed by the child or young person (where appropriate), GP records, clinic letters, and patients’ own medicines. Social history was least utilised, with low confidence reported in discussing sensitive topics like smoking, contraception, or illicit drug use, especially when parents were present.Communication barriers, including language difficulties and poor information transfer between care settings, were the most frequent obstacles. Challenges included incomplete or inaccurate information, limited access to current prescriptions, and discrepancies in dosing or formulations. Common discrepancies were missing medicines, incorrect strengths or formulations, outdated documentation, and conflicts between parental reports and records.Only half reported their trust had a paediatric inclusive medicines reconciliation policy. Most (99%, 114/115) felt confident performing medicines reconciliation. Over 85% (98/115) showed interest in a paediatric-specific training package, particularly to support training others. Desired training content included step-by-step guidance, case studies, communication strategies, and information on common errors and unlicensed formulations.Conclusion This survey highlights a clear need for paediatric-specific medicines reconciliation training, especially in DGHs where specialist support may be limited. Although medicines reconciliation is routinely performed, the paediatric context can present distinct challenges - communication issues, inconsistent information, unlicensed formulations, and discomfort discussing social histories - that current resources may not fully address.The findings will guide the creation of an e-learning resource featuring stepwise instructions, case studies, communication techniques, and sharing of common errors. This training aims to standardise and improve practice, enhancing safety and confidence in paediatric medicines reconciliation especially across DGH settings.Reference Core Concepts and skills [Internet]. www.rpharms.com. Available from: https://www.rpharms.com/mep/2-core-concepts-and-skills/26-pharmaceutical-care/264-medicines-reconciliation#gsc.tab=0",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Rebecca Le Maistre"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Evelina London Children’s"
      ],
      "name": "Ashifa Trivedi"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P03 Survey on drug history & medicines reconciliation practices in paediatrics",
  "uid": "886b71e0-f946-5721-b9e9-01c28608c0d7"
}