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  • Title: Computerized reminders reduce the use of medications during shortages.
    Author: Bogucki B, Jacobs BR, Hingle J, Clinical Informatics Outcomes Research Group.
    Journal: J Am Med Inform Assoc; 2004; 11(4):278-80. PubMed ID: 15064285.
    Abstract:
    Medication shortages pose serious problems in health care. This study examines the impact of a computer-based reminder in addressing a national methylprednisolone shortage. An alert was designed and implemented in a computerized order entry platform at a children's hospital. The alert informed physicians of the shortage and provided an alternative prescribing pathway. Data regarding the number and type of parenteral corticosteroid prescriptions were collected for a one-month period before and after the alert was implemented. The alert resulted in a 55% relative reduction in methylprednisolone use and an average reduction of more than three orders each day. Dexamethasone and hydrocortisone, the recommended alternative medications, increased in use by 12% and 49%, respectively. The alert resulted in a $36,552 annualized cost reduction to the institution. Similar alert applications have great potential for effectively altering physician prescribing behavior.
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