DETERMINATION OF POTENTIAL RISKS DUE TO CONFUSING MESSAGES DERIVED FROM SOFTWARE-GENERATED MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS.

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.515712602019

• Palavras-chave: Electronic prescribing, Medication errors, Patient safety, Drug interactions, Usability of medical software, Adverse drug reactions

• Keywords: Electronic prescribing, Medication errors, Patient safety, Drug interactions, Usability of medical software, Adverse drug reactions

• Abstract: Introduction: Software-generated medical prescriptions have been widely incorporated into healthcare systems to optimize therapeutic safety and efficiency. However, these tools can lead to clinically significant errors when alert messages are confusing or information is poorly organized, compromising the quality of care and patient safety. Objective: To examine the risks associated with electronic prescribing and propose strategies to reduce errors, improve system usability, and strengthen safety in clinical practice. Method: A systematic review of the literature published over the past ten years was conducted to identify studies documenting the frequency, types of errors, and consequences of software-assisted medical prescriptions across different healthcare settings. Results: The evidence reveals frequent issues such as dosing errors, duplicate drug prescriptions, undetected drug interactions, and adherence difficulties, with a higher incidence among polymedicated patients, children, and older adults. These failures are linked to adverse reactions, intoxications, prolonged hospitalizations, and even fatal outcomes, in addition to ethical and legal repercussions for healthcare professionals. Critical factors identified include software Usability and clarity of communication, where non-intuitive interfaces and deficient designs contribute to mistakes. Conclusion: Electronic prescribing represents a highly promising tool to improve healthcare quality but requires substantial improvements in design, validation, and professional training to ensure safe use and minimize clinical, ethical, and legal risks.