Analysis reveals problem areas for health data reports

The ECRI Institute has published a Deep Dive analysis detailing key areas in which HIT-related safety events can lead to mistakes in patient care. The 48-page report, written by the ECRI Patient Safety Organization, identified five potential problem areas.

Those include: inadequate data transfer, data entry for the wrong patient, incorrect data entry, improper system functioning and system configuration that fuels mistakes.

“Minimizing the unintended consequences of HIT systems and maximizing the potential of HIT to improve patient safety should be an ongoing focus of every healthcare organization,” said Karen P. Zimmer, M.D., the PSO’s medical director.