Health Information Technology: Building Safer Systems for Patient Care January 26, 2012

 The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recently released a report which evaluates health information technology safety concerns and recommends way that both government and the private sector can make patient care safer using health information technology (HIT). 

The report suggests that poorly designed HIT can result in dosing errors, failure to detect life-threatening illnesses, and delays in treatment. To reduce the risk of these occurrences, the IOM offers recommendations which can be implemented by the private sector and/or government. These recommendations focus on the following areas: fostering a systems approach; promoting sharing of safety data; improving standards, measures, and criteria of safe use; and promoting transparency and accountability.

As these recommendations are considered and variously implemented, we know that it will be imperative for health care providers to assess whether or not their own electronic health record (EHR) supports safe care and how these recommendations can be applied in their practice/institutions. We also know that successful implementation of HIT systems can help improve patient outcomes, data sharing, and patient safety. The IOM cautionary report tells us of the potential of poorly implemented or monitored HIT systems to offset some of the expected benefits. 

Have you assessed your EHR to identify potential vulnerabilities which may increase adverse health events?