Poster Abstract: Impact of Basic Computerized Prescribing on Outpatient Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events

Abstract

Few data exist about the impact of computerized prescribing systems on outpa- tient medication errors (MEs) and adverse drug events (ADEs). We compared the rates of MEs and ADEs in handwritten sites versus sites with basic computerized prescribing. These systems reduced ME rates but did not significantly reduce ADE rates. Failure to monitor accounted for a large per- centage of preventable ADEs. More advanced computerized prescribing systems with decision sup- port and monitoring functions may be necessary to reduce outpatient ADE rates.