Table 5. Results of computer alert system for detection of medication errors and adverse drug events (ADEs) at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center


Alert type: Detection of prescription error
Total alerts: 803
True-positive alerts: 490
Unrecognized by physician prior to alert: 238 (49%)

Alert type: Early detection of ADE
Total alerts: 313
True-positive alerts: 106
Unrecognized by physician prior to alert: 27 (25%)

Note: A true-positive alert was defined as one in which the physician wrote orders consistent with the alert recommendation after alert notification.


Source: Raschke RA, Collihare B, Wunderlich TA, et al. A computer alert system to prevent injury from adverse drug events. JAMA 1998;280(15):1317-20.


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