American Academy of Pediatrics Recommends Practices Adopt E-prescribing Systems

In a March 25, 2013, policy statement and accompanying technical report, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that pediatricians adopt e-prescribing systems to improve quality and reduce harm. Many studies have found e-prescribing systems help prevent harm in adult patients, but there have been limited studies that pediatric patients would benefit as well. AAP states that e-prescribing systems may aid two of the biggest problems with pediatric medications: dosing errors and miscommunication. Some ways that these systems can improve safety is by using standardized dosing formulas and by presenting dose information in the easiest-to-understand version.