When comparing types and prevalence of dispensing errors for electronically transmitted prescriptions versus paper prescriptions, e-prescriptions did not necessarily result in fewer prescription errors, according to a study in BMJ Quality & Safety.
Researchers examined the prevalence of labeling errors, content errors and pharmacist label enhancements on prescriptions sent to 15 community pharmacies in England.
They found electronically transmitted prescriptions had labeling errors for 7.4 percent of items, while paper prescriptions had labeling errors for 4.8 percent of items. Researchers found no difference for content errors or pharmacist label enhancements.
The higher rate of labeling errors in the study was mainly due to the label not displaying the drug's indication, according to the study. Researchers add this error mainly occurred in one pharmacy.
The researchers suggest community pharmacists, prescribers, professional bodies and software providers work together to standardize dispensing and labeling practices to make best use of electronically transmitted prescriptions.
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