E-prescribing system reduces drug errors
Electronic prescribing in paediatrics reduces adverse drug events (ADEs), say US researchers.
They compared the number of ADEs that occurred during approximately 1,200
paediatric hospital admissions, before and after the installation of
an electronic prescribing system. An ADE was defined as an injury caused
by receiving a drug or not receiving an intended drug.
Also defined were
potential ADEs (a “near miss” for an error that would result
in “at least significant” injury) and preventable ADEs (an
ADE due to a medication error).
The results show a significant reduction in total ADEs, preventable ADEs
and potential ADEs. A total of 76 ADEs (of which 46 were preventable)
and 94 potential ADEs occurred before electronic prescribing was installed,
compared to 37, 26 and 35 after installation, respectively. This means
that one potential ADE was avoided for every 20.2 admissions and one
preventable ADE was avoided for every 59.0 admissions.
The system was most effective at reducing errors associated with aminoglycosides
(a reduction from 12 to 0) and cephalosporins (a reduction from 14 to
two). However, the system did not reduce the number of occasions when
inadequate analgesia (a preventable ADE) was prescribed.
The authors conclude that using electronic prescribing with substantial
decision support reduces actual and potential drug errors. However, further
system refinements are required to prevent the remaining ADEs (Paediatrics 2007;120:1058–66). |
Hospital
Pharmacist