Prescribing safety features of general practice computer systems: evaluation using simulated test cases

Test Prescribing scenario tested Alert produced? System A System B System C System D 1 Aspirin prescribed for child of 8 years No No No No 2 Methotrexate prescribed in pregnancy No Yes No No 3 Penicillin prescribed in patient with penicillin allergy No Yes Yes Yes 4 Oxytetracycline prescribed in a patient with renal impairment No Yes No No 5 Enalapril prescribed in patient with renal impairment No No No No 6 Microgynon 30 (combined contraceptive pill) prescribed in patient with history of deep vein thrombosis No No No No 7 Oxytetracycline prescribed in patient with serum creatinine of 160 mol/l No No No No 8 Propranolol prescribed in patient with history of heart failure No No No No 9 Sumatriptan prescribed in patient with history of coronary heart disease No No No No 10 Naproxen prescribed in patient with history of peptic ulcer disease