Importance

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Abstract

A method, apparatus, and system for preventing medication errors by providing warnings at the time of medication administration. A user/administrator of medication and a patient are identified to the system. Once the patient is identified, a graphical user interface (GUI) listing available medications for that patient is displayed. The user selects a medication for administration from the GUI. One or more compliance rules are associated with one or more medications. Each compliance rule provides the text for a comment or warning to be displayed upon the occurrence of a specified condition. The condition may be based on an attribute of the medication or patient such as the name of the medication, allergies of the patient, etc. If a condition is satisfied, the comment/warning in the compliance rule associated with the medication is displayed to the user. If the user opts to continue with the administration of the medication, the medication is added to a confirmation list where the user administers the medication and may enter additional information regarding the administration (e.g., time of administration, notes, etc.). The compliance rules may be invoked to display a comment/warning regarding the traditional five patient rights--right patient, right medication, right dose, right route and right time. Additionally, the compliance rules may be invoked to display a comment/warning regarding many additional causes of medication errors. Such rules may include look-alike medications, sound-alike medications, physical act requirements, dosage requirements, monitor/health equipment requirements, route requirements, dilution requirements, test requirements, and lethal/toxic substance warnings.

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First Claim