Electronic prescribing: a review of costs and benefits.
Electronic prescribing tools are currently available but most medical practices are not using them. The literature was reviewed for data on adverse drug events and the expected dollar savings that could occur if these events were prevented. In addition to cost savings from improved patient safety, the effect of these systems on formulary compliance and drug cost savings was examined. Improved physician, nurse, and staff efficiencies were calculated using time trial comparisons between a paper system of handling prescription refills and a representative electronic prescribing system. The conclusion is made that electronic prescribing software is cost-effective for all size practices with a more rapid return on investment in larger practices.
Corley
Sarah T
ST
University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Va 22908, USA. drcorley@internalmedicineassoc.com
D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems / Q000191:economics; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics; D016303:Clinical Pharmacy Information Systems / Q000191:economics*; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000191:economics*; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005569:Formularies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007449:Investments; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000191:economics*; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics; D017751:Safety Management; D012984:Software / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States