When selecting medications and dosages, prescribers must check multiple variables. Age, weight, and renal function are just a few of the important items to consider. With many high-risk medications, other laboratory results or the serum levels of the medications, are also important. Organize this patient information so that the variables are readily accessible to prescribers; prescribers should not have to search through patient records or computer programs to find what they need. With computerized prescriber order entry systems, the information should appear right on the ordering screen or through a quick link.
Tips
- Make sure the data are organized so that the most current information always appears first.
- Include important variables in flow sheets, protocols, and pre-printed order sets.
