The impact of computerized provider order entry on medication errors in a multispecialty group practice

Article review by Devine, Emily Beth, Hansen, Ryan N., Wilson-Norton, Jennifer L., Lawless, N. M., Fisk, ALbert W., Blough, David K., Martin, Diane P., and Sullivan Sean D. The artice is named "The Impact of Computerized Provider Order Entry on Medication Error in a mulitispecialty group practice."

Background

Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) is a system physicians use for the treatment of their patients by processing an electronic entry of their instructions. Medication errors are a major problem. (CPOE) has the potential to eliminate as many medication errors as possible, by having providers directly enter their orders into a computer system.

Methods

A pre-test and post-test study was done to evaluate for medication errors, rates, types, and severity of errors. The pre-test were handwritten by physicians and the post-test was done using the (CPOE) method. The handwritten prescriptions and orders were prone to have more errors due to the illegibility, spelling errors, and the use of incorrect abbreviations. Data was collected from multiple sources using both methods to see what the outcome of errors.

Results

After all of the tests were done, it was concluded that the computerized system had fewer errors than the handwritten method. The reduction of errors improved patient care.

Conclusion

The use of a computerized system helped reduce medication errors tremendously in most types of security levels. More and more companies are using a (CPOE).

Related Links

The_impact_of_electronic_health_records_on_healthcare_quality:_a_systematic_review_and_meta-analysis

Medication errors: prevention using information technology systems