Prescribers’ interactions with medication alerts at the point of prescribing: A multi-method, in situ investigation of the human–computer interaction

Abstract 

Purpose

Few studies have examined prescribers’ interactions with medication alerts at the point of prescribing. We conducted an in situ, human factors investigation of outpatient prescribing to uncover factors that influence the prescriber–alert interaction and identify strategies to improve alert design.

Methods

Field observations and interviews were conducted with outpatient prescribers at a major Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Physicians, clinical pharmacists, and nurse practitioners were recruited across five primary care clinics and eight specialty clinics. Prescribers were observed in situ as they ordered medications for patients and resolved alerts. Researchers collected 351 pages of typed notes across 102 hours of observations and interviews. An interdisciplinary team identified emergent themes via inductive qualitative analysis.

Results

Altogether, 320 alerts were observed among 30 prescribers and their interactions with 146 patients. Qualitative analysis uncovered 44 emergent themes and 9 overarching factors, which were organized into a framework that describes the prescriber–alert interaction. Prescribers’ ability to act on alerts was impeded by the alert interface, which did not adequately support all prescriber types.

Conclusions

This empiric study produced a novel framework for understanding the prescriber–alert interaction. Results revealed key components of the alert interface that influence prescribers and indicate a need for more universal design. Actionable design recommendations are presented and may be used to enhance alert design and patient safety.

Keywords: Medication alert systems, Human factors engineering, CPOE, Electronic prescribing, Medication errors