Although the implementation of clinical decision support prescribing systems has been shown to improve safety, it is also associated with unintended consequences that may adversely impact patient care. This systematic review found that most of the studies included demonstrated improved chemotherapy prescribing safety with the use of clinical decision support, but some studies did show an increase in particular types of errors or the introduction of new errors when such decision support systems were implemented.

Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) is an effective tool for reducing chemotherapy medication errors. This systematic review of CPOE and clinical decision support systems for chemotherapy administration revealed a recent proliferation in the scope and complexity of both types of electronic tools. A recent WebM&M commentary examines how to prevent and respond to catastrophic chemotherapy errors.

Computerized provider order entry is usually considered to be synonymous with computerized physician order entry. However, in this Iranian study, having nurses enter medication orders (which physicians subsequently countersigned) resulted in significantly fewer medication errors.

This study conducted semistructured interviews with Iranian physicians and found that they are willing to adopt computerized provider order entry systems despite the economic constraints and specific cultural and social barriers described.