Role of informatics in the promotion of med safety

•Use of barcode scanners

-Scan patients and medications

•Computerized order entry/e-prescribing

-Reduce risk for illegible writing

Built into the system: incorrect doses, allergy checks, drug interactions

•Automated dispensing cabinets

-Medication distribution systems

Helps to store, track, and dispense medications

"Smart" Pumps

-Programmable drug libraries

-Can alert nurses when incorrect dosages have been selected or indicate dosages that may exceed recommended levels.

•Hospital Portal Page

-Contains hospital policies and protocols (ie: documentation for medication administration, administration techniques, taking verbal orders)

•Micromedex

-Suite of databases offering comprehensive drug, disease, and toxicology information for health professionals and patients.