Medication errors due to handwritten prescriptions are a grave matter in the healthcare industry making up for up to 440,000 deaths annually. Patient safety is the medical goal of every practitioner and fortunately, the use of e-prescribing EMR Software solutions has helped hospitals in the US to reduce medication errors associated with hand-written prescriptions.
Digital technology solutions like e-Prescribing (e-Rx) EMR Software systems allow physicians to electronically send prescription information to pharmacies digitally. This automation has helped to streamline the process and enhance patient safety and the treatment process. These powerful software systems are being deployed in clinics and hospitals because of their reliability and various functionalities that offer mutual benefits to both healthcare providers and patients. E-prescribing software is becoming a healthcare industry standard that reduces adverse drug events and any chances of human errors.
5 benefits of using E-Prescribing EMR Software
- Reduction in errors – This is the most obvious benefit. Electronic prescriptions are easy to read and understand by the pharmacist, this helps to reduce medication and prescription errors. Patients also have exact information about drug dosage which reduces the risk of taking the incorrect medication dose, this improves patient safety and medication adherence eventually reducing trips to the ER.
- Instant clinical alerts – Most e-Rx EMR Software solutions seamlessly integrate with Electronic Health Records (EHR) software systems which have complete information about a patient’s medical history including information about allergies etc. The clinical alerts feature in the software systems can offer prompt alerts about duplicate therapies and reduce adverse drug events. In the United States, more than 4.5 million visits to ERs are caused by preventable adverse drug events.
- Enhanced productivity – By deploying e-Prescribing software systems staff productivity and efficiency levels can improve as the authorization process and medication renewal process is automated. This eliminates the need to call back or send faxes which ultimately boosts productivity. Staff members can also concentrate on other important tasks such as interacting with the patient.
- Medication tracking – Doctors can monitor if their patients have picked their upcoming refill with the help of e-Prescribing EMR Software systems. This way clinicians can get to patients who haven’t received their next medication treatment, the reminder can keep patients on track and let them complete their medication dosage, improving the patient’s treatment process.
- Reduction in costs – Improved practice efficiencies and reduction inpatient visits have helped practices to save between $140 and $240 billion over the last 10 years. Cost savings are essential for any medical practice to improve its financial health.
Final Takeaway
Digital healthcare technology has helped to streamline clinical and administrative processes improving productivity levels. E-prescribing EMR Software system has helped medical practices to improve efficiency by saving time on manual tasks and patient outcome levels. Better quality of care can be provided and electronic prescriptions also enhance medication compliance. Deploying these software systems results in a win-win situation for both providers and patients.
