Using computerized prescriber order entry to limit overrides from automated dispensing cabinets.
Automated dispensing cabinets have been adopted in hospitals to enhance medication safety. These drug dispensing systems enable override functions so that nurses can access medications without pharmacist verification to ensure timeliness, but this workaround requires a reliable process to reduce the potential for errors. This commentary discusses how one hospital designed an oversight process using computerized provider order entry to increase the safety of this practice.