Health IT vendor eClinicalWorks recently issued a safety warning to clinicians, pharmacists, patients and families.
eClinicalWorks claimed it "periodically [identifies] potential patient safety risks related to the use of [its] software." The company issued the warning to ensure healthcare providers and patients "are aware of key patient safety risks and are focused on the roles they can play in minimizing those risks."
In the warning, eClinicalWorks outlines four major points:
1. Using eClinicalWorks' EHR system carries various risks regarding medication management, processing and ordering of tests.
2. Clinicians using eClinicalWorks' EHR should take the following steps:
- Upgrade to the newest version of eClinicalWorks' software
- Upgrade to the newest version of the Multum or Medispan drug databases
- Name a patient safety officer
- Thoroughly read every patient safety notice
- Double check orders to ensure accuracy, and encourage patients to do the same
- Carefully modify medications as necessary
- Use caution in prescribing custom medications
3. Patients should take the following steps:
- Educate themselves about their care
- Know what your medications are
- Confirm that you've received the correct prescription or test
4. Any clinicians, pharmacists, patients or families who notice patient safety or software issues should contact eClinicalWorks (my.eclinicalworks.com) and/or HHS' Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (www.healthit.gov/healthitcomplaints).
Click here to read the full warning.