A trial of automated decision support alerts for contraindicated medications using computerized physician order entry.

This study evaluated the capacity of electronic alerts to reduce inappropriate prescribing of medications to inpatients with renal insufficiency. Investigators studied the likelihood of inappropriate prescribing 4 months before and 14 months after implementation of the automated alert system. Results indicated a nearly 50% decrease in administration of contraindicated medications and that receptivity to the alert system was greater in more experienced housestaff. The authors conclude that similar decision support systems can reliably improve care, but success of these systems requires provider compliance.