Assessing the accuracy of computerized medication histories

Peter J Kaboli; Brad J McClimon; Angela B Hoth; Mitchell J Barnett

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Assessing the accuracy of computerized medication histories

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Assessing the accuracy of computerized medication histories

Peter J Kaboli, Brad J McClimon, Angela B Hoth and Mitchell J Barnett

The American journal of managed care, Vol.10(11 Pt 2), pp.872-877

11/2004

PMID: 15609741

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Abstract

To determine the accuracy of computerized medication histories. Cross-sectional observational study. The study sample included 493 Department of Veterans Affairs primary care patients aged 65 years or older who were receiving at least 5 prescriptions. A semistructured interview confirmed medication, allergy, and adverse drug reaction (ADR) histories. Accuracy of the computerized medication lists was assessed, including omissions (medications not on the computer record) and commissions (medications on the computer record that were no longer being taken). Allergy and ADR records also were assessed. Patients were taking a mean of 12.4 medications: 65% prescription, 23% over-the-counter products, and 12% vitamins/herbals. There was complete agreement between the computer medication list and what the patient was taking for only 5.3% of patients. There were 3.1 drug omissions per patient, and 25% of the total number of medications taken by patients were omitted from the electronic medical record. There were 1.3 commissions per patient, and the patients were not taking 12.6% of all active medications on the computer profile. In addition, 23.2% of allergies and 63.9% of ADRs were not in the computerized record. Very few computerized medication histories were accurate. Inaccurate medication information may compromise patient care and limit the utility of medication databases for research and for assessment of the quality of prescribing and disease management.

Outpatient Clinics, Hospital - standards

United States

Humans

Male

Drug Utilization Review

Primary Health Care - standards

Self Medication - economics

Polypharmacy

Self Medication - utilization

Female

Drug Prescriptions - classification

Medical Records Systems, Computerized - standards

Self Administration - utilization

Veterans - psychology

Hospital Information Systems - standards

Medical History Taking - standards

Drug Prescriptions - statistics & numerical data

Iowa

Hospitals, Veterans - utilization

Hospitals, Veterans - standards

Self Administration - economics

United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Aged

Veterans - statistics & numerical data

Research Design

Cost Sharing

Details

Title: Subtitle: Assessing the accuracy of computerized medication histories
Creators: Peter J Kaboli - Center for Research in the Implementation of Innovative Strategies in Practice at the Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. peter-kaboli@uiowa.edu
Brad J McClimon
Angela B Hoth
Mitchell J Barnett
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: The American journal of managed care, Vol.10(11 Pt 2), pp.872-877
PMID: 15609741
ISSN: 1088-0224
eISSN: 1936-2692
Language: English
Date published: 11/2004
Academic Unit: Epidemiology; Pharmacy Practice and Science; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984094657602771

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92 Times Cited - Web of Science