A study by Regenstrief Institute and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs investigators reveals how healthcare providers react to medication alerts generated by electronic medical record systems and what factors may contribute to alarm fatigue.
For this study, the researchers observed providers as they treated patients to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of medication alerts. During the study, 320 medication alerts were generated by an electronic medical record system as 30 physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists treated 146 patients in a variety of outpatient clinics. The study authors observed and analyzed factors that influenced how healthcare providers perceive, interpret and respond to alerts.
The researchers found that prescribers were sometimes unsure why an alert was appearing and that alert designs were more pharmacist-oriented than physician- or nurse practitioner-oriented, in spite of the fact that physicians and nurse practitioners were the principal prescribers.
"Too many alerts and overly detailed alerts are a common source of frustration across electronic medical record systems," one author said. "Unless we improve medication alerts so they contain information that users need to make decisions, the problem of alert fatigue will grow as EMR systems expand beyond single hospitals and share more data."
For this study, the researchers observed providers as they treated patients to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of medication alerts. During the study, 320 medication alerts were generated by an electronic medical record system as 30 physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists treated 146 patients in a variety of outpatient clinics. The study authors observed and analyzed factors that influenced how healthcare providers perceive, interpret and respond to alerts.
The researchers found that prescribers were sometimes unsure why an alert was appearing and that alert designs were more pharmacist-oriented than physician- or nurse practitioner-oriented, in spite of the fact that physicians and nurse practitioners were the principal prescribers.
"Too many alerts and overly detailed alerts are a common source of frustration across electronic medical record systems," one author said. "Unless we improve medication alerts so they contain information that users need to make decisions, the problem of alert fatigue will grow as EMR systems expand beyond single hospitals and share more data."
Related Articles on Alarm Fatigue:
FDA Taking Steps to Reduce Risk of Alarm Fatigue
10 Things Healthcare Providers Can Do Now to Improve Alarm Conditions
ECRI Institute Lists Common EHR Adverse Events