The effectiveness of computerized drug interaction screening programs in hospitals

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two computerized drug interaction screening programs in comparison to screening that pharmacists do without the use of these programs. Data were collected at three hospitals on patients who were at risk of experiencing certain drug interactions. Two of the hospitals had computer-based drug interaction screening programs and one hospital that did not served as the control. Differences in length of stay, the number of lab tests ordered, and the number of adverse effects were tested for significance using multiple regression analysis. Evidence of interventions by pharmacists when drug interactions occurred was also sought The computer screening programs investigated in this study were not found to be more effective than the screening for drug interactions done by pharmacists without the use of these programs. Patients who were prescribed interacting drugs, however, had longer lengths of stay at all three hospitals than patients who were not prescribed interacting drugs.