Investigating Wrong-Patient Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) Errors

With the increased adoption of CPOE systems, it is important to recognize that design flaws have resulted in the creation of new types of iatrogenic medical errors. An example of a new type of iatrogenic medical error introduced by CPOE systems has been named "juxtaposition errors". Juxtaposition errors, as defined by Ash, et al. are "errors that can result when something is close to something else on the screen, and the wrong option is too easily clicked in error." Juxtaposition errors can lead to a patient receiving a medication, a test, or a treatment intended for another patient, sometimes with dire consequences. Juxtaposition errors are likely a subclass of a broader group of wrong-patient CPOE errors that have multiple etiologies. The primary objectives of this research proposal is to investigate the prevalence of wrong-patient near miss CPOE errors, to investigate the root cause of these errors, and to investigate and compare the efficacy and workflow impact of two distinct interventions to prevent these errors.