Messy handwriting contributes to prescription errors across the country. When a doctor’s illegible handwriting gets to the pharmacy, pharmacy employees are often at a loss as to what the script is. When this happens, pharmacists are supposed to double check the prescription with the doctor.Eliminating pen and paper reduces errors.
A recent study highlighted just how often errors occur when doctors send over messy handwritten prescriptions to the pharmacy. The study on hospital errors found that when doctors switch to electronic prescriptions instead of pen and paper, errors drop by 60 percent. The study tracked medication errors in two Australian hospitals before and after installing electronic prescription systems.
Electronic system reduces errors overall
A doctor’s messy handwriting is just one of many ways that prescription errors can happen. A significant amount of mistakes occur every year because of:
The study concluded that, in general, the software reduced errors across the board. The software can hold unique patient data that gives warning messages to doctors.
Hospitals slow to implement improved electronic systems
With such an improvement in catching errors, it is a wonder that hospitals across the country do not all adopt the practice of electronic prescribing. But there is no federal requirement to do so, and many hospitals find the new systems expensive.
Free resources for prescription error victims.
Every year, people suffer prescription mistakes that can cause life-altering injuries, and sometimes even death. If you or someone you love have been a victim of a prescription error, order our free book to educate yourself on your rights. You can also contact our pharmacy attorneys at 1-888-526-7616 to review your case free of charge.
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