Crane J, Crane FG. Preventing medication errors in hospitals through a systems approach and technological innovation: a prescription for 2010.
Hosp Top 2006;
84:3-8. [PMID:
17131715 DOI:
10.3200/htps.84.4.3-8]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Medication errors in hospital settings are considered both widespread and costly to the American healthcare system; yet, it is tractable to available solutions. This article offers a novel prescription for the problem that could be implemented by 2010. It consists of a systems approach--failure mode effects analysis (FMEA)--in combination with emerging technologies, such as a decision support system (DDS) with integrated real-time medical informatics, electronic medical records (EMR), computer physician order entry (CPOE), bar coding, automated dispensing machines (ADM), and robotics. Cost and benefit analysis reveals that this proposed integrated solution will radically reduce medication errors in hospitals and save the lives of thousands of Americans who frequent such facilities on an annual basis, as well as reduce healthcare costs.
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