Despite previous studies suggesting computerized provider order entry can help drive down medication errors, CPOE in the ambulatory care setting may not significantly improve medication error rates, according to research published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
For their study, researchers conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in academic hospital ambulatory clinics with e-prescribing software. The researchers assessed total prescription error ratio and the number of callbacks from pharmacies to physicians' clinics for further clarification.
Results showed 22 physicians wrote 1,980 prescriptions during 44 intervention weeks (when the system was switched on). Of these, only 7.6 percent were electronic, while the remainder were handwritten. Another 973 prescriptions were written during 22 control weeks (when the system was switched off). Of these, 1.4 percent were electronic, but issued with delay. The total prescription error rate was 6.0 percent in intervention weeks and 5.9 percent during control weeks. During the intervention period, more callbacks requesting clarification were made to clinics than during the control period.
Read the study about e-prescribing in ambulatory settings.
Read other coverage about e-prescribing:
- GIA: E-Prescribing Market to Reach $204.6M by 2017
- Study Shows Positive Gains, Perceptions of E-Prescribing
- NCPDP Releases New Standard and Enhancements to E-Prescribing SCRIPT Standard
For their study, researchers conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in academic hospital ambulatory clinics with e-prescribing software. The researchers assessed total prescription error ratio and the number of callbacks from pharmacies to physicians' clinics for further clarification.
Results showed 22 physicians wrote 1,980 prescriptions during 44 intervention weeks (when the system was switched on). Of these, only 7.6 percent were electronic, while the remainder were handwritten. Another 973 prescriptions were written during 22 control weeks (when the system was switched off). Of these, 1.4 percent were electronic, but issued with delay. The total prescription error rate was 6.0 percent in intervention weeks and 5.9 percent during control weeks. During the intervention period, more callbacks requesting clarification were made to clinics than during the control period.
Read the study about e-prescribing in ambulatory settings.
Read other coverage about e-prescribing:
- GIA: E-Prescribing Market to Reach $204.6M by 2017
- Study Shows Positive Gains, Perceptions of E-Prescribing
- NCPDP Releases New Standard and Enhancements to E-Prescribing SCRIPT Standard