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Medication errors: prevention using information technology systems
Author(s) -
Agrawal Abha
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
british journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.216
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1365-2125
pISSN - 0306-5251
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2009.03427.x
Subject(s) - incentive , government (linguistics) , health information technology , harm , medicine , computerized physician order entry , barcode , information system , medical emergency , business , risk analysis (engineering) , health care , marketing , engineering , psychology , social psychology , linguistics , philosophy , electrical engineering , economics , microeconomics , economic growth
1. Given the high frequency of medication errors with resultant patient harm and cost, their prevention is a worldwide priority for health systems. 2. Systems that use information technology (IT), such as computerized physician order entry, automated dispensing, barcode medication administration, electronic medication reconciliation, and personal health records, are vital components of strategies to prevent medication errors, and a growing body of evidence calls for their widespread implementation. 3. However, important barriers, such as the high costs of such systems, must be addressed through economic incentives and government policies. 4. This paper provides a review of the current state of IT systems in preventing medication errors.