Craig Says Computerized Prescription Technology Saves Lives

Washington, DC  – Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, took a close look today at reducing medical mistakes by applying new technology involved in filling prescriptions. 

The hearing, titled "Technology and Prescription Drug Safety" featured a demonstration of computerized devices that can be used by doctors and pharmacists. Craig said that the issue is particularly important to senior citizens because many seniors take several medications daily. 

"Each year thousands of people are injured or die due to medical mistakes, including prescription drug errors, that could be prevented.  I believe applying new technology is part of the solution.  It can save lives," Craig said.  "I will continue to encourage investment and development of the kinds of technology demonstrated today and hope to see these devices used around the nation."

The American Pharmaceutical Association recently estimated that 218,000 people died from fatal adverse drug reactions last year and that the misuse of medications costs the economy over $177 billion per year.     

"I want to emphasize that errors are seldom due to carelessness or lack of trying hard enough.  The key to reducing many types of medication errors is the wise use of computerized systems," said Dr. Janet Corrigan, Ph.D., Director of the Board of Health Care Services of the Institutes of Health. 

Neil Reed, pharmacy director for the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, said his hospital improved patient safety by installing an automated robotic device in its pharmacy and computerized cabinets in each nursing unit.  Reed said all medication picked by the robot has been 100% accurate and, in a one year comparison, errors fell "from .021% to .0193%."  The hospital normally handles 80,000 to 90,000 drug items each month, an average of 14 to 16 drug items per patient per day. 

At the hearing Dr. Harold Allen of Picos, Inc., demonstrated a handheld electronic device his firm developed.  Physicians use it to write prescriptions which are then printed legibly for signing.  "I can tell you, I have sometimes read prescription forms and patient medical records that were nearly illegible," Allen said.  Allen said the software is inexpensive, a factor important in rural settings and low-income areas. 

To aid those who are visually impaired, Mr. Peter Klein of En-Vision America showed senators a handheld device used to identify prescriptions.  Information about the medication is stored in the memory of a microchip embedded within a paper label on the prescription bottle.  Upon identification, the device "speaks" to the patient, informing them of what is inside and how often it should be taken.