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Electronic prescribing in pediatrics: toward safer and more effective medication management

Kevin B Johnson, Christoph U Lehmann,

    Pediatrics
    |March 27, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) systems show promise in pediatric care by reducing medication errors and improving adherence. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adopting these systems for enhanced patient safety.

    Area of Science:

    • Health Informatics
    • Pediatric Pharmacology
    • Health Services Research

    Background:

    • Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) systems offer potential benefits in healthcare delivery.
    • Limited but positive pediatric data exist regarding e-prescribing's impact on medication safety and adherence.
    • Federal statutes incentivize the adoption of e-prescribing technologies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review recent advances in e-prescribing systems.
    • To evaluate the evidence supporting the benefits and limitations of e-prescribing in pediatrics.
    • To inform the recommendation for e-prescribing adoption by pediatric healthcare providers.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of e-prescribing systems and their pediatric applications.
    • Analysis of existing evidence on e-prescribing's role in mitigating medication errors.
    • Examination of data on improved communication and medication adherence.
    • Consideration of federal legislative incentives for e-prescribing.

    Main Results:

    • E-prescribing demonstrates positive, though limited, pediatric data.
    • Benefits include mitigation of medication errors and improved pharmacist communication.
    • Enhanced medication adherence is another key advantage observed.
    • Federal incentives support the implementation of these systems.

    Conclusions:

    • E-prescribing systems with pediatric functionality are recommended for adoption.
    • The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the use of e-prescribing by pediatric providers.
    • Implementation can lead to improved safety and effectiveness in pediatric medication management.

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