EHR-Based Approach for Reducing Medication Dosing Errors
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The study objective is to assess the impact of an automated electronic health record (EHR)-based intervention that leverages e-prescriptions to support pharmacist adherence to recommended dispensing practices, with the goal of reducing parent dosing errors. Specifically, the study aims are to: 1) Examine the efficacy of the EHR-based intervention in improving pharmacy dispensing practices, including a) adherence to mL-only dosing and b) provision of optimal dosing tools; 2) Examine the efficacy of the EHR-based intervention in reducing parent dosing errors. The study will also explore whether implementation of the EHR-based intervention will reduce disparities in dosing errors by parent health literacy and LEP, and explore the efficacy of the EHR-based intervention in reducing ADEs. A pre-/post-implementation study will be performed with English- and Spanish-speaking parents of children prescribed oral liquid medications in the pediatric emergency room, outpatient general pediatric clinic, and pediatric subspecialty clinics of 2 New York City hospital systems (NYU Langone Health - Brooklyn and NYC Health+Hospitals - Bellevue Hospital). Prior to implementation, e-Rx's will be generated by the EHR in the usual fashion; after implementation, e-Rx's will be generated by the EHR with instructions to the dispensing pharmacy to: 1) keep the dosing instructions in mL-only, and 2) dispense a specific dosing tool based on the amount prescribed. The proposed project is consistent with a growing national focus on promoting the adoption of evidence-based strategies to improve disease management that address the needs of those with low health literacy and LEP from groups like the Joint Commission and the AHRQ.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on improving how liquid medications are dispensed and dosed, rather than changing existing medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the EHR-Based Approach treatment for reducing medication dosing errors?
The use of electronic health records (EHRs) has been shown to improve the quality of patient care by enabling better monitoring and evidence-based practices, as seen in the implementation of electronic chemotherapy ordering. Additionally, EHRs help in efficiently collecting patient-specific performance measures and outcomes, which can enhance quality improvement projects.12345
Is the EHR-Based Approach for reducing medication dosing errors safe for humans?
The use of electronic health records (EHRs) can improve patient safety by helping prevent medication errors, but there are also risks. Studies have shown that EHR-related medication errors can occur, especially during the ordering stage, and these errors can potentially cause serious harm. Therefore, while EHRs have safety benefits, they also require careful implementation and monitoring to minimize risks.678910
How does the EHR-Based Approach treatment reduce medication dosing errors?
The EHR-Based Approach is unique because it uses electronic health records to specifically target and reduce medication dosing errors by improving the prescription process and addressing system design flaws that lead to errors. This approach is different from traditional methods as it focuses on optimizing electronic systems to prevent errors rather than relying solely on manual checks or standard prescribing practices.1112131415
Research Team
H. Shonna Yin, MD, MS
Principal Investigator
NYU Langone Health
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for English or Spanish-speaking parents or guardians over 18 years old, who are the primary caregivers of children aged ≤8 years prescribed liquid medications in specific New York City hospitals. Participants must have a smartphone and be willing to participate. Pharmacists involved must dispense medication to study participants.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-Implementation
Patient e-Rxs are generated by the EHR in the usual fashion
Post-Implementation
EHR generates e-Rxs with instructions for mL-only dosing and specific dosing tools
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for dosing errors and adherence to new dispensing practices
Treatment Details
Interventions
- EHR-Based Approach
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
NYU Langone Health
Lead Sponsor
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Collaborator