Electronic prescribing: a review of costs and benefits.

Electronic prescribing tools are currently available but most medical practices are not using them. The literature was reviewed for data on adverse drug events and the expected dollar savings that could occur if these events were prevented. In addition to cost savings from improved patient safety, the effect of these systems on formulary compliance and drug cost savings was examined. Improved physician, nurse, and staff efficiencies were calculated using time trial comparisons between a paper system of handling prescription refills and a representative electronic prescribing system. The conclusion is made that electronic prescribing software is cost-effective for all size practices with a more rapid return on investment in larger practices.