The impact of healthcare information technology on reducing medication errors: A review of recent advances

Abstract

This review explores the impact of HIT on reducing medication errors, encompassing recent advances in electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems (CDSS), bar-coding technology, telemedicine, and mobile health applications. By synthesizing evidence from scholarly literature, case studies, and real-world implementations, this paper delineates the multifaceted benefits, challenges, and future prospects of integrating HIT into medication management processes. Understanding the evolving role of HIT in error reduction is pivotal for healthcare stakeholders to optimize patient outcomes and enhance the quality and safety of medication administration. In the dynamic realm of modern healthcare, medication errors loom as a formidable challenge, imperiling patient safety, compromising care quality, and inflating healthcare expenditures. However, amidst this backdrop of concern, healthcare information technology (HIT) emerges as a beacon of hope, offering potent remedies to counteract these errors. This review embarks on a journey to unravel the profound impact of HIT on ameliorating medication errors, delving into recent strides across various fronts including electronic health records (EHRs), clinical decision support systems (CDSS), bar-coding technology, telemedicine, and mobile health applications. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of scholarly literature, real-world case studies, and practical implementations, this paper meticulously examines the multifaceted landscape of HIT's influence on medication management. Through a comprehensive synthesis of evidence, we uncover the diverse benefits, confront the inherent challenges, and illuminate the promising vistas that emerge from the integration of HIT into medication-related processes. At the core of this exploration lies an urgent call to comprehend the evolving role of HIT in error reduction, recognizing its pivotal significance for healthcare stakeholders. By assimilating insights from disparate sources, we endeavor to empower stakeholders with the knowledge necessary to optimize patient outcomes, fortify the fabric of care delivery, and foster a culture of safety and excellence in medication administration. In essence, this review serves as a guiding compass amidst the labyrinth of healthcare challenges, illuminating pathways towards safer, more efficient, and more effective medication management practices. As we navigate this terrain, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to harness the transformative power of HIT, thereby ushering in a new era of enhanced patient safety, elevated care quality, and sustainable healthcare systems. In the contemporary healthcare landscape, medication errors represent a significant concern, posing risks to patient safety, quality of care, and overall healthcare costs. However, advancements in healthcare information technology (HIT) offer promising solutions to mitigate these errors.