Evaluation of the Electronic Adverse Drug Event Management System

Abstract

An electronic reporting system is indispensable in facilitating adverse drug event (ADE) management. Much of the literature has shown that not only the ADE report rate can be increased significantly by a well-designed electronic system but also the communication between health care professionals can be improved. Moreover, developing an electronic reporting system is essential for preventing ADEs in a cost-effective manner. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency and influence of an electronic ADE management system with a traditional working model at a medical center. An electronic ADE management system was integrated with the four intranet systems in the hospital and made available at every computer terminal. An ADE committee met once every 4 weeks to discuss the strategies to promote the rational use of drugs, such as introducing an automated computer warning system based on sentinel cases. Details of ADEs were collected for 39 months before and after the new system was introduced. Characteristics of ADEs before and after implementation of the new system were analyzed using the χ2 test. The number of ADE reports increased 3.6-fold after the electronic system (394 cases in contrast to 108 cases, p < 0.001) was established. ADEs reported by physicians increased from 36 (33%) to 222 (56%), and those reported by nurses increased from 0 (0%) to 72 (18%). Additionally, the percentage of preventable ADEs decreased significantly from 53% to 21% (p < 0.001). The distribution of ADE severity patterns and varieties of medication involved were also significantly affected by the system (p < 0.001). The electronic ADE management system evidently increased interdisciplinary involvement that led to enhanced medication safety. Moreover, continuous operation and improvement of the management system by incorporating technologies to fit future demands of ADE management is essential for improving patient safety.