Effect of a remote order scanning system on processing medication orders

The appropriate implementation of information technology has been perceived as an important tool for streamlining workflow, improving patient-care quality and safety, and reducing the cost of health care services.1 The shortage of pharmacists2,3 and nurses2 in the United States necessitates that health systems implement technology and automation to give them opportunities to use their time more effectively and efficiently. These technology investments are costly, and it is projected that health care provider spending on information technology in the United States will increase from $15.1 billion in 2002 to $17.3 billion by 2007.4 To provide optimal care to patients, health care facilities use integrated hospital information systems to disseminate information to various health care professionals. Unfortunately, these systems often have limitations that prevent the automation of the entire medication-use process. In many cases, hospitals must still resort to paper-based documentation to supplement the information systems. In a 2003 patient-safety survey, all respondents agreed that technology can address patient-safety issues and 93% believed that reducing medication errors is the best use of technology.5 More than half of the respondents (54%) believed that technology saved excessive time on administrative tasks; however, less than half indicated that technology positively affects care quality (42%) and care variability (40%). Interestingly, only 8% indicated that technology can address staffing shortage issues.