An experimental investigation of the impact of alert frequency and relevance on alert dwell time.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the impact of alert frequency and relevance on alert dwell time.

Method: A 2 × 3 design was used where 127 university students completed 60 prescribing tasks and were presented with a variable frequency of computerized alerts (low, medium and high) with variable relevance (low and high). Participants were instructed to override an alert if it was not relevant to their prescription, and to cancel the order if the alert signalled an error in their order.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a hospital electronic medication management system.

Objective: To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of a hospital electronic medication management system (eMMS).

Methods: We compared costs and benefits of paper-based prescribing with a commercial eMMS (CSC MedChart) on one cardiology ward in a major 326-bed teaching hospital, assuming a 15-year time horizon and a health system perspective. The eMMS implementation and operating costs were obtained from the study site.