Designing a computer-based drug decision support system in NICU

Abstract

Medication is one of the common treatment interventions in hospitals and plays a vital role in patients’ health and recovery. Medication errors occur eight folds more in NICU, compared to adults’ wards. Application of electronic drug decision support systems is recommended to diminish medication errors, improve evidence-based practice and increase the sensibility and accuracy in clinical decision making in all groups of the patients. The design process of NICU drug decision support system can be divided into two parts include: First stage: select of drug - related data and classify the information in paper files and then in Computer files (excel) to exchange to software language. Second stage: Conversion and transmission of medical information that entered in an Excel file to software database (MYSQL).The software runs on a conventional browser (without regard to platform). These systems should not replace the human decisions or their experiences, but help them make the best decision in specific situations. In fact, these systems help the staff reduce the human errors. Therefore, a system was designed to be used by the nurses and physicians in NICU to reduce medication errors at any stage from prescription to after injection follow ups. © The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology.