In message <[log in to unmask]>, Rob Hills
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>Hi all,
>
>There was a thread recently on the impact of computerisation on
>medical practice. I wonder if anyone on the list knows if any
>studies have been done comparing manual prescribing with computerised
>script generation ? I am particularly interested in the subject of
>speed of script generation (as opposed to quality).
>
>It seems to be common folklore that, on average, computerised
>prescribing is much quicker than its manual counterpart, but when
>asked to justify this scientifically, I find myself "referenceless"!!
Should we look at the process of prescribing as a starting point? I am
making the assumption that this is the same in all systems - not just
the NHS - but that might be unjustified...
Prescriptions are divided into two types (as regards issuing them) -
acute and repeat.
I don't think there can be any argment regarding repeat
prescriptions.Computer prescribing ensures that all prescriptions are
recorded,over and under usage can be identified , review dates can be
set - and the chemist can read the prescription...! It also saves having
to :-
-get someone to find the MRE
-writing on the corrrect card
-re-filing the MRE
acute prescribing may(or may not) be quicker than writing it by hand -
and means that,if you want to check what the patient had before ("those
pills you gave me last year were marvellous! oh, pink with purple
spots.. you must remember .. no,I've lost the box.."), the information
is there without having to send for the MRE.
We use the computer in consultation - so for us it's quicker than
writing it anyway.
I'd agree that having to keep both written and computer records slows
down the consultation - and the situation is worse if there's a patient
held record involved as well!
I've taken to printing out the consultation and signing it -
legal,quicker,and makes sure it's the same in both places...
I don't know of any studies - but I should think it would be possible to
do one yourself. It would probably depend on the system used.
Mary
--
Mary Hawking
Kingsbury Court Surgery
Church Street
Dunstable
Beds LU5 4RS
tel:01582 601289 (home)
01582 663218 (surgery)
fax:01582 476488 (surgery)
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