TY - JOUR
T1 - The role of computerized decision support in reducing errors in selecting medicines for prescription
T2 - Narrative review
AU - Baysari, Melissa T.
AU - Westbrook, Johanna
AU - Braithwaite, Jeffrey
AU - Day, Richard O.
PY - 2011
Y1 - 2011
N2 - This narrative review includes a summary of research examining prescribing errors, prescription decision making and the role computerized decision support plays in this decision-making process. A reduction in medication prescribing errors, specifically a reduction in the selection of inappropriate medications, is expected to result from the implementation of an effective computerized decision support system. Previous research has investigated the impact of the implementation of electronic systems on medication errors more broadly. This review examines the specific characteristics of decision support systems that may contribute to fewer knowledge-based mistakes in prescribing, and critically appraises the large volume of information available on the decision-making process of selecting medicines for prescription. The results highlight a need for work investigating what decision strategies are used by doctors with different levels of expertise in the prescribing of medications. The nature of the relationship between decision support and decision performance is not well understood and future research is needed to determine the mechanisms by which computerized decision support influences medication selection.
AB - This narrative review includes a summary of research examining prescribing errors, prescription decision making and the role computerized decision support plays in this decision-making process. A reduction in medication prescribing errors, specifically a reduction in the selection of inappropriate medications, is expected to result from the implementation of an effective computerized decision support system. Previous research has investigated the impact of the implementation of electronic systems on medication errors more broadly. This review examines the specific characteristics of decision support systems that may contribute to fewer knowledge-based mistakes in prescribing, and critically appraises the large volume of information available on the decision-making process of selecting medicines for prescription. The results highlight a need for work investigating what decision strategies are used by doctors with different levels of expertise in the prescribing of medications. The nature of the relationship between decision support and decision performance is not well understood and future research is needed to determine the mechanisms by which computerized decision support influences medication selection.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79952757497&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/568612
U2 - 10.2165/11588200-000000000-00000
DO - 10.2165/11588200-000000000-00000
M3 - Review article
C2 - 21417501
AN - SCOPUS:79952757497
VL - 34
SP - 289
EP - 298
JO - Drug Safety
JF - Drug Safety
SN - 0114-5916
IS - 4
ER -