Validation of automated event triggers using laboratory values related to two problem-prone drugs

AMIA Annu Symp Proc. 2003:2003:781.

Abstract

We used computerized alerts to identify patients with laboratory values that could be related to medication errors associated with digoxin and warfarin. Over a six-week period at two inpatient facilities, we generated 62 laboratory-based alerts for warfarin, and 66 for digoxin. The positive predictive value for these alerts representing a preventable event was 71% and 57% for warfarin and digoxin, respectively.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage*
  • Cardiotonic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Clinical Pharmacy Information Systems
  • Digoxin / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted*
  • Hospital Communication Systems
  • Humans
  • International Normalized Ratio
  • Medication Errors / prevention & control*
  • Warfarin / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Warfarin
  • Digoxin