Medication errors related to computerized provider order entry systems in hospitals and how they change over time: a narrative review

Background: Evaluations of computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems have revealed that reductions in certain types of medication errors occur simultaneously with the emergence of system-related errors – errors that are unlikely or not possible to occur with the use of paper-based medication charts. System-related errors appear to persist many years post-implementation of CPOE, although little is known about whether the types and rates of system-related errors that occur immediately following CPOE implementation are similar to those that endure or emerge after years of system use. Objective: To analyze and synthesize the literature on system-related errors, specifically in relation to the length of time that CPOE systems have been in use, to determine what is currently known about how system-related errors change over time. Methods: A literature search was undertaken using the PubMed database to identify English language articles published between January 2005 and March 2020 that provided original data on system-related errors resulting from CPOE system use. Studies were included if they provided results on system-related errors and information relating to the length of time that CPOE had been in use. Results: Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria for this narrative review. System-related errors were identified and described during short, medium and long-term use of CPOE systems, but no single study examined how errors changed over time. In comparing findings across studies, results suggest that system-related errors persist with long-term use of CPOE systems, although likely to occur at a reduced rate. Conclusions: This review has highlighted a significant gap in knowledge on how system-related errors change over time. Determining what and when system-related errors occur and the system factors that contribute to their occurrence at different time points after CPOE implementation is necessary for the future prevention and mitigation of these errors.