The Impact of Information Technology on Patient Safety

AORN Journal,  May, 2005  by Lori A. Pelletier

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The Impact of Information Technology on Patient Safety Russell F. Lewis, ed 2002, 146 pp $60 softcover

Medical errors in hospitals result in thousands of deaths every year. Although this book states that the actual numbers are not clear due to flaws in reporting and consensus as to what constitutes a fatal error, it is clear that all fatal medical errors should be prevented. Patients are entitled to the safest possible environments of care. Automating tasks that are likely to cause errors can reduce the possibility that errors will occur.

This book is intended to inform and empower all members of the health care team to work together to improve patient care by reducing errors. Specialists in different areas of health care discuss the effects of information technology advances in their respective fields and how these advances can be used to improve patient safety hl health care facilities. These experts include physicians, pharmacists, and information technology specialists. Topics discussed include computerized physician order entry, order management, integrated clinical systems, bar code technology; and medication dispensing technology.

Throughout the book, statistics and graphs are used to show results of studies on the benefits information technology can provide toward improving patient safety. Patient safety scenarios are presented to help readers further understand the beneficial aspects of advanced technology. Each chapter includes a clear and concise conclusion, the contributing authors' qualifications, and an extensive reference list for readers interested in pursuing more information on a topic. A comprehensive table of contents and index are provided for quick access to information.

The content presented is complex, so this book is most suitable for health care professionals monitoring pitfalls in patient safety within an institution (ie, quality improvement committee members, risk managers). Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and information systems personnel involved in this arena would gain valuable insight from the information discussed. National guidelines and surveys are discussed in depth in each chapter so that individual institutions can be compared. The authors provide information that shows how future advances in information technology will assist health care facilities as they strive to improve patient safety.

This book is available from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, 230 E Ohio St, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611.

LORI A. PELLETIER

RN, BSN, CNOR

PERIOPERATIVE STAFF NURSE

NEW BRITAIN GENERAL HOSPITAL

NEW BRITAIN, CONN

COPYRIGHT 2005 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group