Technology-induced errors associated with computerized provider order entry software for older patients.

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Patient Safety
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Introduction of new technologies in prescribing leads to novel medication errors.
• Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) systems are increasingly adopted in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and consequences of technology-induced prescription errors in hospitalized older patients using a CPOE system.
• To classify the types and severity of these errors.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study over 6 months.
• Inclusion of patients aged 65+ from Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and Vascular Surgery.
• Classification of technology-induced errors and assessment of consequences through interviews.

Main Results:

• A prevalence of 3.65% for technology-induced errors was observed in 117 patients, with 107 errors recorded.
• Half of the errors were clinical (e.g., wrong dose/strength/formulation), which were 9 times more likely to be severe than procedural errors.
• Most errors resulted from human-machine interactions (wrong or partial entries) and did not reach the patient.

Conclusions:

• Technology-induced errors are an inherent aspect of CPOE implementation.
• Errors are predominantly linked to human-machine interaction and typically of low severity.
• Further research is needed to understand error mechanisms and develop strategies to enhance patient safety.