Impact of Computerized Physician Order Entry on Medication Errors in ICU
Author Information
Author(s): Colpaert Kirsten, Claus Barbara, Somers Annemie, Vandewoude Koenraad, Robays Hugo, Decruyenaere Johan
Primary Institution: Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
Hypothesis
Does the introduction of a computerized ICU system reduce medication prescription errors?
Conclusion
The ICU computerization significantly decreased the occurrence and severity of medication errors.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence of medication prescription errors was significantly lower in the computerized unit compared to the paper-based unit.
- Minor medication prescription errors decreased from 18.3% in the paper-based unit to 0.7% in the computerized unit.
- Patients with renal failure experienced a three-fold reduction in serious medication prescription errors in the computerized unit.
Takeaway
Using a computer system to write down medicine orders helps doctors make fewer mistakes when giving medicine to patients in the ICU.
Methodology
A controlled cross-sectional trial comparing a computerized unit to paper-based units in a 22-bed ICU, with medication orders validated by a clinical pharmacist.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the clinical pharmacist's interventions to prevent errors.
Limitations
The study was conducted in only one tertiary care teaching hospital, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Patients in a 22-bed surgical ICU, with a mix of ages and conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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