Effect of computer-based alerts on the treatment and outcomes of hospitalized patients.

TitleEffect of computer-based alerts on the treatment and outcomes of hospitalized patients.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1994
AuthorsRind DM, Safran C, Phillips RS, Wang Q, Calkins DR, Delbanco TL, Bleich HL, SLACK WV
JournalArch Intern Med
Volume154
Issue13
Pagination1511-7
Date Published1994 Jul 11
ISSN0003-9926
KeywordsAcute Kidney Injury, Adult, Clinical Laboratory Information Systems, Creatinine, Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted, Hospital Information Systems, Hospitalization, Humans, Linear Models, Office Automation, Prospective Studies, Surveys and Questionnaires, Treatment Outcome
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hospital computing systems play an important part in the communication of clinical information to physicians. We sought to determine whether computer-based alerts for hospitalized patients can affect physicians' behavior and improve patients' outcomes.METHODS: We performed a prospective time-series study to determine whether computerized alerts to physicians about rising creatinine levels in hospitalized patients receiving nephrotoxic or renally excreted medications led to more rapid adjustment or discontinuation of those medications, and to determine whether such alerts protected renal function.RESULTS: Laboratory data were observed for 20,228 hospitalizations, with documentation of 1573 events (instances of rising creatinine levels during treatment with a nephrotoxic or renally excreted drug). During the intervention period, doses were adjusted or medications discontinued an average of 21.6 hours sooner after such an event (P < .0001). For patients receiving nephrotoxic medications during the intervention period, the relative risk of serious renal impairment was 0.45 (95% confidence interval, 0.22 to 0.94) as compared with the control period, and the mean serum creatinine level was 14.1 mumol/L (0.16 mg/dL) lower on day 3 (P < .01) and 25.6 mumol/L (0.29 mg/dL) lower on day 7 (P < .05) after an event. Forty-four percent of physicians who responded to a questionnaire said that the alerts had been helpful in the care of their patients, whereas 28% found them annoying. Sixty-five percent wished to continue receiving alerts.CONCLUSIONS: Computer-based alerts regarding patients with rising creatinine levels affect physician behavior, prevent serious renal impairment, preserve renal function, and are accepted by clinicians.

DOI10.1001/archinte.1994.00420130107014
Alternate JournalArch. Intern. Med.
PubMed ID8018007
Grant ListHS06288-03 / HS / AHRQ HHS / United States