[The impact of the computerized unique therapeutic card (Computer Assisted Drug Therapy) in a cardiac care setting]

Abstract

Background: The introduction of a unique therapeutic card represents a valid tool for the containment of adverse events during the treatment process, from prescribing a drug to its administration.

Aims: This article aims to illustrate the development and implementation (through the application of the Deming Cycle) of a computerized STU in a cardiac care setting referring to a Department of Cardiology.

Materials and methods: A multi-professional team was formed and carried out the following steps: a) analysis of existing clinical documentation highlighting the most critical points with respect to the therapeutic-pharmacological process; b) construction of a computerized STU c) sharing information with every member of the professional group involved, d) implementation of the STU in order to assess the areas of improvement.

Results: At the end of this procedure, the critical areas evidenced were shown to be markedly improved due to the elimination of errors relating to lack of legibility of handwriting (improvement of 71%, χ2 = 102.589, p <5%), dose and drug which should be administered (improvement of 29%; χ2 = 42.832, p <5%). Furthermore, there is an alignment between the data contained in both medical and nursing records (improvement of 26%, χ2 = 110.589, p <5%) and a complete identification of the subjects / actors in all stages of the process (improvement of 38%, χ2 = 32.284, p <5%).

Conclusions: The survey has documented the significant benefits of the computerized STU in accordance with prior experience and in line with the continuous improvement process of quality of care which is still ongoing.