Prescription for accuracy

Article Abstract:

A study has found that computerized systems for the administration of prescription drugs can reduce up to one-third of harmful and at times deadly errors. Conducted at Brigham and Massachusetts General Hospital, the study found that 50 percent of the preventable errors occurred in the ordering stage and were usually a result of illegible handwriting. Brigham now uses all 4,000 of its PC workstations to eliminate these unnecessary human errors by checking the drug against the patient's profile, a drug interaction database and other information.

Author: Appleby, Chuck
Health Practitioner Software Pkgs (Micro, Technology application, Medical practice software, Pharmaceutical services, Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts), Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts)

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Ghost in the machine

Article Abstract:

Hospitals and the healthcare industry are especially vulnerable to computer problems that will stem from from the year-2000 transition. Much of the software written in the 1960s and 1970s saved storage space by using two digits to record the year. Those programs will mistakenly believe that time has gone backwards 100 years when the date appears as 00. Integrated delivery systems that are cobbled together from many systems and programs will need special attention.

Author: Appleby, Chuck
Computer Software, Software, Hospitals, Year 2000 transition (Computers)

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Meet John Doe; when patients show up ahead of their paperwork, aggravation and unpaid bills usually follow

Article Abstract:

A survey of 33 members of the San Francisco, CA-based Pacific Business Group on Health found only 59% of health maintenance organizations deliver new enrollment information within 30 days to medical groups. Little more than 50% provide accurate and complete enrollment information. Heavy demands on data systems are a major cause of these problems.

Author: Appleby, Chuck
Medical Records Services, All Other Business Support Services, Information services, Medical records, Health maintenance organizations

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Subjects list: Health care industry, Medical care, Information management, Management
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