2nd Annual Academic Symposium - Maria Sadler

Two pharmacy computer systems were analyzed based on their abilities to screen for medication errors and interactions. A made-up patient was used in each system and 23 different orders were entered on each. The orders each contained a potentially significant interaction or error. Documentation was then made following each interaction, indicating whether the system flagged the order as an interaction or error, the level of severity given, if the order could be overridden and what steps were involved if so. Differences and similarities were found among the two computer systems, emphasizing the importance of the knowledge of the pharmacist and not only the abilities of technology to catch harmful combinations and errors.