Atlanta-based Grady Health System researchers analyzed whether providers' IV fluid prescribing habits changed after EHR alerts were implemented, according to a Feb. 22 study published in the American Journal of Health System Pharmacy.
For the study, researchers examined EHR alerts covering a six-month period before and during an IV fluid shortage. The research team screened records of adult medical and surgical inpatients who had an order for IV or oral magnesium during the six-month period. The EHR alerts served as recommendations to substitute the IV dose with an oral dose.
Of the 7,476 EHR alerts generated by providers ordering the IV magnesium products, 4.8 percent resulted in the provider accepting the alert and switching the patient onto an oral alternative, 89 percent resulted in the continuation of an IV magnesium order and 6.2 percent resulted in cancellation of the order.