Transcript Computers-andHospitals

Hospitals and Computers
A Dangerous
Combination
Presented by:
Gina M. Liguori
Are Hospital Computers
Eliminating Dangerous
medication Mix-ups?
According to the Boston Globe
article, dated March 2005, the
following startling facts emerged…
Why?
Because of Computer Systems
• Computer systems are overhyped and
hard to use
• Computerized physician ordering requires
a lot of work and continuous updating
• Doctors do not fully understand the system
• Doctors like the familiar prescription pads
• Computers were losing their orders
More Reasons
Patients with complex problems
would require up to 20 computer
screens to display their medical
history, making it difficult for
doctors to avoid duplication or
drug interactions
Institute of Medicine Estimates…
Errors of all kinds kill 44,000 to 98,000
patients a year!
Nurses can make mistakes too
Computers are
causing some patients
to be put at risk of
getting double doses
of their medication
while others get none
at all.
According to a recent issue of Family
Circle Magazine, errors increase
about 25% at the start of each month.
People who rely on Social Security and
Medicare receive their benefits at the
beginning of each month causing the
Pharmacist’s workload to be very high.
We need to pay attention to the
medications we are taking offer
information and ask questions
Some Facts About the Hospital
Computer System
• Only about 10% of
US Hospitals have
fully installed
computerized drug
ordering
• The systems can cost
several million dollars
to install
Why would a hospital pay
all that money for a
machine that may cause
harm to patients?
Some Solutions?
• One Los Angeles Hospital turned off their
system altogether
• Need to get in and see what is happening
on the floor
• Training Seminars?
Government Involved?
Yes, they are
currently working
on programs to
help with the
nurse shortage
in our country
The good news is, hospitals
and doctors are aware
of the potential dangers and
are trying to find solutions
to rectify these problems
Sources
References
 www.boston.com/news/national/articles/2005/03/09
Article by: Scott Allen, Globe Staff, “Drug-error risk at hospitals tied to
computers”
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Article by: Knight L, Yardley M. Jones A., The Dangers resulting from
inaccurate computer based operative records”
 http://www.usatoday.com/community/chat/1011cohen.htm
Article by Michael Cohen, “Medical Errors”
 Family Circle Magazine, April 19, 2005
Article by Christine Brophy, “Medical News”