Improving patient safety through information technology

Abstract

Health information technology (HIT) is generally accepted as the solution for the nation's medical error crisis. Although limited studies suggest the importance of using HIT in the process of medication management, research has failed to adequately describe how HIT actually works in capturing medication error data and improving patient safety within a healthcare system.1-3 The aim of our study is to identify essential elements in the adoption of technology within the broader context of system change and workflow modification. Using the adoption of an electronic reporting system to improve patient safety, we examine the role of this technology within process improvement, culture, and workflow.

Figure 1

Novell window with arrow indicating the “Medication Error Report” icon

Figure 2

Medication Error Report opening screen with drop-down boxes

Figure 3

Monthly Total of Medication Errors by Severity

Figure 4

Staff Who Discovered the Reported Medication Error by Year (January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2005)