Physicians failed to write flawless prescriptions when computerized physician order entry system crashed.
Although computerized provider order entry has eliminated many medication errors, it has introduced errors as well. In this case study, system failures resulted in physicians reverting to handwritten medication orders in a hospital, which led to many errors—most commonly omissions. The authors suggest implementation of standalone electronic prescription software so that back-up computerized provider order entry is available in case of electronic health record failure.