[Electronic prescriptions--without side-effects?].

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In a government document published in 2005, electronic information systems were held up as important tools for reducing unintended adverse drug events. The Norwegian Social and Health Directorate has now initiated a large national project introducing electronic prescribing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have analysed recent international literature about electronic prescribing and computerised physician order entry. RESULTS: Electronic information systems may cause both a reduction and an increase in adverse drug events. Certain known errors disappear, but new risks for errors are introduced. A new system might change or unintentionally put aside well-established safety routines in manual systems of today. INTERPRETATION: Introduction of electronic treatment of drug information can give many benefits, but if the risks for introducing new errors are underestimated, patient safety might be threatened. A strategy for avoiding possible mistakes should therefore be developed simultaneously with introduction of systems for electronic prescribing and order entry. New systems have to be thoroughly tested and evaluated as closely as other new technology and drugs when implemented.