How effective are electronic medication systems in reducing medication error rates and associated harm among hospital inpatients? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess: 1) changes in medication error rates and associated patient harm following electronic medication system (EMS) implementation; and 2) evidence of system-related medication errors facilitated by the use of an EMS.

Materials and methods

We searched Medline, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL for studies published between January 2005 and March 2019, comparing medication errors rates with or without assessments of related harm (actual or potential) before and after EMS implementation. EMS was defined as a computer-based system enabling the prescribing, supply, and/or administration of medicines. Study quality was assessed.

Results

There was substantial heterogeneity in outcomes of the 18 included studies. Only

SUBMITTER: Gates PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7810459 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature