Internally-Developed Online Adverse Drug Reaction and Medication Error Reporting Systems

• Published in: Hospital pharmacy (Philadelphia) 2006-05, Vol.41 (5), p.428-436
• Main Authors: Smith, Kelly M., Trapskin, Philip J., Empey, Philip E., Hecht, Keith A, Armitstead, John A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0018-5787; 1945-1253
• DOI: 10.1310/hpj4105-428

Abstract Online reporting systems for adverse drug reaction (ADR) and medication error (ME) reporting were developed at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center. Collaboration between Pharmacy Services, Information Services, and the Drug Information Center resulted in the creation of two stand-alone systems that input data directly into centrally-stored databases. Web forms were designed using Web-authoring tools, as well as javascript and server-side scripting. Medication error reporting incorporated an E-mail notification process for hospital personnel based upon patient location, medical service, and severity of the error. Adverse drug reaction reporting increased initially following implementation, but leveled out soon thereafter. Conversely, ME reporting greatly increased, and also captured a greater number of type A MEs (eg, situations with a capacity for error). A number of system changes and patient safety initiatives have been implemented in response to data obtained from the reporting systems. Internally developed systems have supported customized forms that meet the institution's reporting needs and support a safer patient care environment.