BACKGROUND: Information technology in health care has a clear potential to improve the quality and efficiency of health care, especially in the area of medication processes. On the other hand, existing studies show possible adverse effects on patient safety when IT for medication-related processes is developed, introduced or used inappropriately. OBJECTIVES: To summarize definitions and observations on IT usage in pharmacotherapy and to derive recommendations and future research priorities for decision makers and domain experts. METHODS: This memorandum was developed in a consensus-based iterative process that included workshops and e-mail discussions among 21 experts coordinated by the Drug Information Systems Working Group of the German Society for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (GMDS). RESULTS: The recommendations address, among other things, a stepwise and comprehensive strategy for IT usage in medication processes, the integration of contextual information for alert generation, the involvement of patients, the semantic integration of information resources, usability and adaptability of IT solutions, and the need for their continuous evaluation. CONCLUSION: Information technology can help to improve medication safety. However, challenges remain regarding access to information, quality of information, and measurable benefits.
BACKGROUND: Information technology in health care has a clear potential to improve the quality and efficiency of health care, especially in the area of medication processes. On the other hand, existing studies show possible adverse effects on patient safety when IT for medication-related processes is developed, introduced or used inappropriately. OBJECTIVES: To summarize definitions and observations on IT usage in pharmacotherapy and to derive recommendations and future research priorities for decision makers and domain experts. METHODS: This memorandum was developed in a consensus-based iterative process that included workshops and e-mail discussions among 21 experts coordinated by the Drug Information Systems Working Group of the German Society for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (GMDS). RESULTS: The recommendations address, among other things, a stepwise and comprehensive strategy for IT usage in medication processes, the integration of contextual information for alert generation, the involvement of patients, the semantic integration of information resources, usability and adaptability of IT solutions, and the need for their continuous evaluation. CONCLUSION: Information technology can help to improve medication safety. However, challenges remain regarding access to information, quality of information, and measurable benefits.
Entities:
Keywords:
Drug therapy safety; decision support systems; drug safety; information technology; medication safety; patient safety
Authors: Tim Johansson; Muna E Abuzahra; Sophie Keller; Eva Mann; Barbara Faller; Christina Sommerauer; Jennifer Höck; Christin Löffler; Anna Köchling; Jochen Schuler; Maria Flamm; Andreas Sönnichsen Journal: Br J Clin Pharmacol Date: 2016-05-07 Impact factor: 4.335
Authors: Christoph Rinner; Wilfried Grossmann; Simone Katja Sauter; Michael Wolzt; Walter Gall Journal: Biomed Res Int Date: 2015-11-22 Impact factor: 3.411