Study: EHRs decrease patient safety events

Advanced use of EHRs was associated with a steep decline in patient safety events, according to a new study presented at the Workshop on Health IT and Economics.

Advertisement

In the study, researchers gathered data from a group of Pennsylvania hospitals between 2005 and 2012 in addition to patient safety data from the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority.

Results showed advanced use of EHRs led to a 27 percent overall decline in patient safety events in both hospitals and physician practices. By category, EHR use led to a 30 percent drop in adverse events related to medication errors and a 25 percent decrease in complications.

The researchers hope policymakers will see the study’s results as evidence of the potential of health IT to improve patient safety.

More articles on EHRs:

Alameda Health System: Troubled Siemens EHR rollout one cause of financial woes
Meeting meaningful use requires less than 10 percent of physicians’ EHR data
Epic, Surescripts partner to incorporate medication prior authorization

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit

Advertisement

Next Up in Health IT

Advertisement

Comments are closed.