Abstract
Nagara Medical Center introduced two computer systems that utilized data imputed into electronic medical records. The first system was used to check cancer chemotherapy prescriptions, whereas the second system was a preparation support system that facilitates precise mixing of anticancer drugs.
The prescription checking system made it possible to easily monitor the dose of anticancer drugs and dosing intervals utilizing data imputed into electronic medical records. Using this system, the time required for checking was reduced significantly compared to without using the system.
The preparation support system enables converting the dose of anticancer drugs that imputed into electronic medical records to the prepared amount automatically and checking of the amounts of drugs for drug preparations. Drugs are checked by reading a bar code attached to a vial or ampule in order to check prepared drugs are correct. The prepared amount of drug is checked by measuring the weight of a syringe used in preparation before and after preparation. Using the preparation support system, the preparation time required was prolonged significantly compared to that without using the system. However, questionnaire survey revealed that prolonged time was in the allowable range to ensure safety.
In conclusion, it is considered that the prescription checking system introduced efficient checking of prescriptions, and that the preparation support system introduced an improvement in the accuracy of preparation.
