Table 3

Medication prescription error analysis in computerized and paper-based units

Computerized unit

Paper-based unit

P

Total prescriptions (n)

1,286

1,224

NS

Total MPEs (n)

44

331

<0.001

% MPEs

3.4

27.0

<0.001

Minor MPEs

9

225

<0.001

Per 100 orders

0.7

18

Intercepted MPEs (n)

12

46

<0.001

Per 100 orders

0.9

3.8

Non-intercepted potential ADEs (n)

21

48

<0.001

Per 100 orders

1.6

3.9

Total ADEs (n)

2

12

<0.01

Per 100 orders

0.15

1.0

Intercepted MPEs and serious MPEs

35

106

<0.001

Serious MPEs

23

60

<0.001

ADE, adverse drug event; MPE, medication prescription error; NS, not significant.

Colpaert et al. Critical Care 2006 10:R21   doi:10.1186/cc3983