Impact of the e-prescribing system on the incidence and nature of drug-related problems in children in a Saudi hospital

Int J Pharm Pract. 2019 Dec;27(6):578-581. doi: 10.1111/ijpp.12548. Epub 2019 Jun 5.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the impact of a computerised physician order entry (CPOE) system on the drug-related problems' (DRPs) incidence and characteristics in hospitalised children in a Saudi hospital, and to compare DRPs incidence pre-/post-CPOE implementation.

Methods: An observational study. DRPs were identified by pharmacists, reviewing children's (0-14 years) medical records on CPOE system, in paediatric wards and/or attending emergency department. DRPs preventability and severity were assessed.

Results: A total of 657 paediatric patients were included, with 235 (35.8%) experienced 328 DRPs, majority were preventable (99.7%, 327). Difference in DRP incidence pre- and post-CPOE implementation (44.8% versus 35.8%, P < 0.01) was significant.

Conclusion: The CPOE system has significantly reduced DRPs incidence in children in the study hospital.

Keywords: Incidence; children; computerised physician order entry; drug-related problems; hospitalised paediatric patients.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / epidemiology*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / prevention & control
  • Electronic Prescribing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Medical Order Entry Systems / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pharmacists / organization & administration
  • Saudi Arabia