Evaluation of KIDs List Compliance at a Children’s Hospital Within a Large Academic Medical Center

Abstract

OBJECTIVES In 2020, a list of Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs in Pediatrics, known as the “KIDs List,” was published. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate institutional compliance with the ­recommendations in this publication and identify areas for improvement. METHODS Medications in the KIDs List were compared to the institutional formulary at a large academic medical center caring for pediatric and adult patients. Medications listed in the formulary were then ­evaluated for order comments and restrictions related to their use in pediatric patients. Oral liquid products and a group of commonly used intravenous (IV) medications were reviewed for potentially inappropriate excipients through available manufacturer information. The pediatric clinical specialists were then solicited to review and make recommendations for medications that had not been addressed. RESULTS Of the 67 medications or classes listed in the KIDs List, 47 (70.1%) of the medications are listed in our formulary and available for use. Of these 47 medications, 4 (8.5%) included warnings related to their use in pediatric patients. Of the 270 oral liquid medications reviewed, 206 (76.3%) contained at least 1 ­potentially inappropriate excipient. Of the 20 commonly used IV medications, 3 (15%) contained at least 1 potentially inappropriate excipient. CONCLUSIONS This review found that many medications listed in the KIDs List are included in our ­institution’s formulary and that few have warnings for pediatric patients built into the institutional electronic health record. Further review of medications in the formulary will be conducted to determine the next steps to implementing KIDs List recommendations.