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Recommendations for comparing electronic prescribing systems: results of an expert consensus process
Douglas S Bell1, Richard S Marken, Robin C Meili
1RAND, Santa Monica, California, USA. dbell@rand.org
Health Affairs (Project Hope)
|September 29, 2004
Summary
Expert recommendations for electronic prescribing systems focus on improving patient safety, health outcomes, and cost management. Many suggested features are achievable within three years for widespread adoption.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Health Services Research
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Electronic prescribing systems (e-prescribing) vary in their impact on patient health outcomes and cost management.
- Standardized features are needed to optimize the benefits of e-prescribing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and recommend specific features for electronic prescribing systems.
- To enhance patient safety, improve health outcomes, and facilitate cost management through e-prescribing.
Main Methods:
- An expert panel was convened to develop recommendations.
- A modified Delphi process was used to rate sixty proposed features.
- Features were evaluated for their impact on patient safety/outcomes and achievability.
Main Results:
- Fifty-two recommendations were identified as positively impacting patient safety and health outcomes.
- Forty-three recommendations were deemed achievable in typical clinical settings within three years.
- The study synthesized evidence and expert consensus on e-prescribing system development.
Conclusions:
- Specific features can significantly enhance the value of electronic prescribing systems.
- Recommendations provide a roadmap for policy development and system design.
- Optimizing e-prescribing technology is crucial for advancing patient care and healthcare economics.