Arch Argent Pediatr. 2022 Apr;120(2):111-117. doi: 10.5546/aap.2022.eng.111. Epub 2022 Jan 22.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Prescription errors are the most common cause of preventable errors. Electronic prescription (EP) systems may help to reduce errors and improve the quality of care.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of EP on the prevalence of prescription errors and related adverse events (AE) among hospitalized pediatric patients. To assess EP adherence, acceptability, and suitability among users.
METHODS: Hybrid, descriptive, and quasi-experimental, before-and-after design. Prescriptions made to hospitalized patients were included, estimating the prevalence of prescription errors and related AE in the pre- and post- EP implementation periods at a children’s hospital (CH) and a general hospital (GH) used as control. Adherence was assessed based on the proportion of EP among all prescriptions registered in the post-implementation period. The acceptability and suitability of EP implementation was assessed via a user survey.
RESULTS: The prevalence of prescription errors pre- and post-EP implementation at the CH was compared and a statistically significant reduction was observed in both hospitals: CH: 29.1 versus 19.9 prescription errors/100 prescriptions (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.34-2.02; p < 0.01). GH: 24.9 versus 13.6 prescription errors/100 prescriptions (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.5-2.8; p < 0.01). The rate of overall adherence to EP was 83%. The implementation of EP was adequately acceptable and suitable.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of prescription errors reduced 30% after the implementation of EP. The overall adherence to EP was adequate.
PMID:35338815 | DOI:10.5546/aap.2022.eng.111
