Question

Research computer-controlled medication systems on the Internet. Describe aspects of at least two such systems that could actually foster medication errors, along with what procedures or protocols could help prevent such errors.

Answer 1

Ans. Given the high frequency of medication errors with resultant patiwnt harm and cost, their prevenyion is a worldwide prority for health sysytem.

System that use information , such as computerized physician order entry , automated dispensing, electronic medication reconciliation ,and personal health records, are vital components of strategies to prevent mefication errors, and a growing body of evidence calls for their widespread implementation.

Information technology systems in medication :

Clinical decision making is a comolex process that depends on human ability to provide undivided attention and to memorize , recall, and synthesize huge amonuts of data all vulnerable areas. Clinicians often know the information , but forget to consider it at the time of prescribing.

Since most errors occur at the prescribing step, computerized physician order entry with patient-specific decision support is a potentially powerful intervention for improving patient safety. Common prescribing errors include using the wrong drug or dosage form, incorrect dose calculation, not checking for allergies, and failure to adjust dosages in patients.

Electronic medication reconciliation :

With growing recognition that many inpatient medication errors occur at care transition points, reconciliation of medication lists during admission, transfer and discharge is an important step in improving safety. Computer physician order entry systems are effective in reducing errors during prescribing; however, a computer physician order entery system cannot detect an error if the physician does not remember to prescribe a medication that the patient was taking at home.

Prevention of medication errors has therefore become a high priority worldwide. There is mounting evidence that systems that use information technology , such as computerized physician order entry, automated dispensing cabinets, bedside bar-coded medication administration, and electronic medication reconciliation, are key components of strategies to prevent medication errors. Hospitals with automated notes and records, order entry, and clinical decision support have fewer complications, lower mortality rates, and lower costs.

IT system are key components of a multifaceted strategy to prevent medication errors and improve patient safety. However, we need to be mindful of their potential to affect clinical workflow adversely, with attendant complications. Improving standardization and certification of the design and implementation of such systems should help. In addition, creating an economic and policy environment conducive to the financial goals of hospitals and physicians will facilitate wider adoption.