Adverse Events in Pediatrics Related to Hospital Service Closures Worldwide: A Literature Review (2014–2024)

Author : Estefany Katherine Torres correa, Anah Dimate

Abstract : An adverse event is any injury, harm, or unexpected complication experienced by a patient during healthcare delivery, resulting from healthcare management rather than the underlying disease. Its occurrence varies in hospital settings and becomes even more relevant during periods of hospital crisis, where funding is unstable. However, information in pediatrics remains limited. General Objective: To describe factors related to adverse events in the pediatric population based on the literature (2014–2024). Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on studies addressing factors associated with adverse events in the pediatric population. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Articles were retrieved from the PubMed database. Twenty-seven studies met the selection criteria, including 22 quantitative and 5 qualitative studies. Results: High prevalence of adverse events was identified among patients aged 0–3 years, technical/technological staff, medication administration processes, and fatigued healthcare personnel. Conclusions: The findings suggest associations between adverse events and nursing assistants (54.7%), adverse events and hospitalization work areas (94.44%), adverse events and prescription at the time of the order (n = 228), and adverse events and patient age between 0–2 years (OR = 1.974; 95% CI: 1.738–2.241; p < 0.001). Additionally, associations were observed with untrained and fatigued personnel. These events resulted in additional interventions (84.9%) and prolonged hospital stays (15.2%), indicating potential deficiencies in risk management and limited resources within the hospital sector.

Keywords : Risk management, adverse events, hospital crisis, pediatric population.

Conference Name : International Conference on Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety (ICHQPS-26)

Conference Place : Vienna, Austria

Conference Date : 5th Mar 2026