Computer Alert System That Promotes Patient Safety by Identifying Possible Contraindications of Prescribed Physical Agents

Authors

Hong-Nan Shih
Jing-Hwa Wey
Chun-Chieh Chiu
Po-Wei Lin
Tsan-Hon Liou
Chi-Hsien Chen

Translated Title

建立物理因子治療的電腦警示系統以增進病患安全

Abstract

This study investigated and analyzed the prevalence of contraindications that can co-exist with a prescribed physical agent. To prevent likely complications, this study implemented a computer warning system, which prompts physiatrists to possible contraindications. Once a physical agent is prescribed, the system automatically reviewarticles the ICD-9 codes in the patients’ medical chart. Two pre-established databases are used in the warning system: one contains contraindications for each physical agent and the other has possible contraindications for each selected ICD-9 code. By cross-referencing between ICD-9 codes in a patient's chart and the two databases, the warning system was able to identify possible contraindications for physical agents prescribed. Statistical analysis showed that there were possible contraindications for 25.5% of all physical agents prescribed. However, the affected body part for a contraindication may differ from the treatment site. Consequently, few medical adverse events occurred. In conclusion, the data collected and the proposed computer warning system implemented in the study promotes patient safety and will likely prove useful to medical education.

Language

Traditional Chinese

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.6315/2007.35(1)03

First Page

15

Last Page

23

Recommended Citation

Shih, Hong-Nan; Wey, Jing-Hwa; Chiu, Chun-Chieh; Lin, Po-Wei; Liou, Tsan-Hon; and Chen, Chi-Hsien (2007) "Computer Alert System That Promotes Patient Safety by Identifying Possible Contraindications of Prescribed Physical Agents," Rehabilitation Practice and Science: Vol. 35: Iss. 1, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6315/2007.35(1)03
Available at: https://rps.researchcommons.org/journal/vol35/iss1/3