Summaries of Independent Scientist (K) Awards

Portnoy, Joel

Institution: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Grant Title: The Effect of Medication Errors in the Pediatric ICU
Grant Number: K08 HS011636
Duration: 4 years (2001-2005)
Total Award: $520,800

Project Description: The research project is a retrospective cohort study that will demonstrate the effect of medication errors on the outcomes of patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. The project has 3 main goals:

1. To calculate the increase in resource utilization attributable to exposure to a medication error in patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit.
2. To determine the risk of mortality attributable to exposure to a medication error in patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit.
3. To determine the risk of requiring inpatient rehabilitation or technology dependence associated with exposure to a medication error.

Career Goals: Dr. Portnoy is completing a fellowship in training in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and is dedicated to a career in Pediatric Health Services Research. 

Progress to Date: Dr. Portnoy has completed a review of the clinical database containing information on all patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit during the study period. After data analysis, it was found that about 27 percent of errors were thought to have the potential for temporary harm while over 6 percent were assesses to have the potential for permanent harm or death. These results have been presented at professional meetings.

Future Plans: Dr. Portnoy's grant has ended.

Highlights and Specific Accomplishments:

• Research/Educational Conferences:
  • Pediatric Academic Society Annual Meeting.
  • AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting.
• Professional Societies:
  • Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics.
  • Member, National Association of Inpatient Physicians.

K-Generated Publications: None thus far.
AHRQ Research Portfolio: Care Management; Quality and Patient Safety; Training.
AHRQ Goals: Safety and Quality

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