Technology Driven Prescribing Errors and Advancements: Analysis of The Impact of Electronic Medical on Medication Errors

Prescribing errors significantly threaten patient safety, incurring substantial costs and jeopardizing well-being. The emergence of electronic medical records (EMRs) and clinical decision support systems (CDSS) within them offers a potential solution.
This abstract explores the impact of this combined technology on prescribing errors. Studies suggest a positive influence, with some reporting reductions of up to 46%. EMRs, with features like e-prescribing and medication history integration, can improve legibility, reduce misinterpretations, and prevent duplicate prescriptions. CDSS further enhances safety by offering real-time alerts for drug interactions, allergies, dosage errors, and potential contraindications. These alerts promote informed decision-making at the point of care.
However, research also acknowledges limitations. While some studies show significant reductions, others report mixed results or even potential increases in reported errors, which might reflect improved detection rather than an actual increase in occurrences. Additionally, usability issues and alert fatigue may diminish the effectiveness of CDSS.
The bibliometric analysis acknowledges the undeniable benefits of technology in reducing medication errors, However, it emphasizes the need for ongoing optimization to minimize unintended consequences. Finally, the analysis paves the way for future research, suggesting the exploration of artificial intelligence and machine learning integration to personalize CDSS interventions and further enhance patient safety.
In conclusion, the integration of EMRs with CDSS holds significant promise for reducing prescribing errors. However, continuous research, system development, and user-centered design are crucial to maximize their effectiveness and ensure optimal patient safety.