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Evaluating the potential effectiveness of using computerized information systems to prevent adverse drug events
J G Anderson1, S J Jay, M Anderson
1Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Summary
Computerized information systems can significantly reduce medication errors and prevent adverse drug events (ADEs). Implementing these systems offers substantial savings in hospital costs and excess hospitalization days.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Patient Safety
- Pharmacoeconomics
Background:
- Medication errors are a significant cause of adverse drug events (ADEs) in hospital settings.
- Current prevention strategies often focus on individual stages of the drug delivery process, yielding limited overall impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the effectiveness of information systems applications in detecting and preventing medication errors and associated ADEs.
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of computerized information systems in reducing hospital costs and excess hospitalization.
Main Methods:
- A dynamic computer simulation model was developed to simulate the four stages of drug ordering and delivery: prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, and administering.
- Simulations incorporated interventions previously shown to decrease error rates.
Main Results:
- A computerized information system detecting 26% of medication errors could prevent ADEs, saving 1,226 excess hospitalization days and $1.4 million annually.
- Interventions targeting single stages of the drug delivery process had a limited effect on the overall error rate.
Conclusions:
- Computerized information systems represent a potentially cost-effective method for preventing ADEs in hospitals.
- System-wide changes across the entire drug-ordering and delivery process are essential for significantly reducing ADEs in hospital settings.
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