BMJ  2004;328 (15 May), doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7449.0-c

Computers do not prevent all inappropriate prescriptions

Computing systems used in general practice may fail to warn of drug interactions and hazardous drug combinations. Using 18 simulated cases, Fernando and colleagues (p 1171) tested the safety of the four computing systems used by three quarters of general practices in the United Kingdom. They found that all systems may fail to warn of potentially dangerous prescribing errors, putting patients at risk. However, computers reduce errors by up to 60% simply by making prescriptions legible, says Ferner (p 1172) in a commentary. Better education on drug use is paramount, and timely and relevant warnings would prevent disasters and act as a safety net.

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    StumbleUpon    Technorati    What's this?

Relevant Articles

Prescribing safety features of general practice computer systems: evaluation using simulated test cases

Bernard Fernando, Boki S P Savelyich, Anthony J Avery, Aziz Sheikh, Mike Bainbridge, Pete Horsfield, and Sheila Teasdale
BMJ 2004 328: 1171-1172. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Computer aided prescribing leaves holes in the safety net

R E Ferner
BMJ 2004 328: 1172-1173. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Online poll

Find out more here>> and here>>