Gastroenterologically relevant high alert medications prescribed to children with chronic diseases—a consensus-driven single-center pilot study
By
Judith Hochrainer
Rebecca Einspieler
Andreas Heilos
Judith Pichler
Michael Boehm
May 4, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Identification of High Alert Medications in Pediatric Gastroenterology: A Consensus-Based Pilot Study at a Single Center
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Pediatric Gastroenterology Key Mechanisms High Alert Medications (HAMs) identified through consensus approach focusing on medication risk and potential patient harm. Target Population Children with chronic gastroenterological diseases requiring home medication regimens. Care Setting Home care for pediatric patients.
Key Highlights
32 medications categorized into highest medication risk categories. 12 medications identified as High Alert Medications (HAMs). Immunosuppressants represent the largest therapeutic class among HAMs. 50% of identified HAMs were unique to this study's findings. Focus on home care and off-label medications in pediatric gastroenterology. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Utilize interdisciplinary teams to assess and categorize medications. Management
Develop localized HAM lists tailored to specific patient populations. Monitoring & Follow-up
Regularly review and update medication safety frameworks based on empirical data. Risks
Consider both medication-related and patient-related factors in risk assessments. Patient & Prescribing Data
106 children with chronic diseases discharged from a tertiary pediatric center.
High potential for medication errors in complex home regimens, particularly in children with chronic gastroenterological conditions.
Clinical Best Practices
Implement consensus-based approaches for identifying HAMs. Engage interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive medication reviews. Educate families on medication management to reduce errors. References
