Medication administration discrepancies persist despite electronic ordering.
Concerns about the effects of computerized provider order entry (CPOE) and bar coding technology on medication safety have been reported. This study found that inpatient CPOE did not prevent medication administration discrepancies, and delays of nearly 30 minutes occurred between expected and actual charted dose administration. The authors highlight a series of recommended interventions to address their findings, including efforts to avoid duplicate medication orders and to create mechanisms to safely shift dosing schedules. While unintended consequences can result from adoption of CPOE systems, point-of-care solutions have been shown to improve nurse satisfaction and their perceptions of medication safety.