Evaluating the Impact of Information Technology on Medication Errors: A Simulation

Abstract
Information technology has been shown to reduce medication errors and associated ADEs at every stage in medication administration.1 Information systems include decision support at the prescription stage, computerized physician order entry, unit dosing systems, and bar-coding of individual medications among others. We developed a computer simulation model and used it to evaluate the effectiveness of a number of information technology applications, individually and collectively, to reduce medication errors and associated ADEs.2 The model incorporated estimates from published studies of the potential reduction in medication errors that could result from implementation of various information technologies.