Meaningful Use IT reduces hospital-caused adverse drug events even at challenged hospitals

Meaningful Use IT reduces hospital-caused adverse drug events even at challenged hospitals

Adverse Drug Events Reduced in Hospitals That Adopt Meaningful Use Medication Management

A study of electronic medical record use in Florida hospitals reveals that adopting all five core meaningful use (MU) medication management elements correlated with large reductions in adverse drug events (ADEs). The study, co-authored by AHRQ’s William E. Encinosa, examined 2010 data from hospitals considered early adopters of Stage 1 MU requirements. ADE rates were reduced by MU across the board, even among hospitals challenged with cost barriers, low quality or MU implementation issues. However, the researchers also found that physician buy-in is critical to the success of MU. “Without physician buy-in at the hospital, MU will have no impact on adverse drug events,” the study stated. “Meaningful Use IT Reduces Hospital-Caused Adverse Drug Events Even At Challenged Hospitals,” was published online August 8 inHealthcare: The Journal of Delivery Science and Innovation.