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ePrescribing Pilot Project

Building on the successful eClinician Primary Care Information Project, DOHMH is working with CDN to perform an ePrescribing Pilot Project. The ePrescribing Pilot Project explores the utility of using PDA and desktop computers to safely and securely prescribe pharmaceuticals. It is estimated that up to 98,000 Americans die from medical errors annually ( Institute of Medicine , 2000 report). Many of these adverse events are associated with the use of pharmaceuticals, and are potentially preventable. The IOM estimates the number of lives lost to preventable medication errors alone represents over 7,000 deaths annually.

A wide body of research, including many studies funded by AHRQ, supports the IOM conclusions. By computerizing the prescription order entry process, the ePrescribing system will eliminate many of the factors that contribute to medication errors including poor handwriting and inaccurate dosing. In addition to improving patient safety, electronic prescribing will help clinicians increase patient safety, save time, reduce pharmacy and patient callbacks and improve office efficiency. During an emergency, this process will also assist providers in identifying the proper pharmaceuticals to treat patients who may have been exposed to a WMD agent.

References: reports, recommendations, case studies and white papers

" Clinical decision support (CDS) in electronic prescribing (eRx) systems can improve the safety, quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of care. However, at present, these potential benefits have not been fully realized. In this consensus whitepaper, we set forth recommendations and action plans."
Teich JM, Osheroff JA, Pifer EA, Sittig DF, Jenders RA, Panel TC. Clinical Decision Support in Electronic Prescribing: Recommendations and an Action Plan. J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2005 Jul-Aug;12(4):365-76. [ PubMed ]

Electronic Prescribing: Towards Maximum Value and Rapid Adoption: Recommendations for Optimal Design and Implementation to Improve Care, Increase Efficiency and Reduce Costs in Ambulatory Care (eRx Report). A Report of the Electronic Prescribing Initiative, eHealth Initiative. Washington , D.C. April 14, 2004 [ eHealth Initiative ]
( The eHI is an independent, Washington DC-based non-profit group promoting the use of information technology to improve health care. )

Electronic Prescribing Can Reduce Medication Errors :White Paper from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, 2000 [ ISMP ]

Miller RA, Gardner RM, Johnson KB, Hripcsak G. Clinical decision support and electronic prescribing systems: a time for responsible thought and action. J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2005 Jul-Aug;12(4):403-9. [ PubMed ]

Bates DW, Teich JM, Lee J at al. The impact of computerized physician order entry on medication error prevention. J Am Med Inform Assoc. 1999 Jul-Aug;6(4):313-21. [ PubMed ]

Bell DS, Friedman MA. E-prescribing and the medicare modernization act of 2003. Health Aff (Millwood). 2005 Sep-Oct;24 [ PubMed ]

Success Story:
 Allscripts’ Pocket PC–based Solution Delivers Healthy Dose of Efficiency to Hawaii
Medical Service Association

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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