Rationale
Why do repeat adverse drug events occur?
Adverse drug events happen because our healthcare system is not well connected: Healthcare providers in one place (like local pharmacies) often don’t know about adverse drug events found in other places (like hospitals) when they prescribe or give out medications. Even though Canada has put money into improving electronic medical record systems, the information can only be shared among providers who use the same system. This makes it hard for providers who use different electronic systems to communicate with each other. Because of this, information about drug events doesn’t get shared between those who diagnose issues and those who prescribe or give out medications. This lack of connection makes patients and their families responsible for passing on this information, which can lead to gaps and potential risks.
Piloting the solution in BC
Before ActionADE was introduced, information about adverse drug events in British Columbia (BC) rarely entered into PharmaNet, the medication dispensing database. Although PharmaNet has a section for “Adverse Reaction,” it’s a free-text field and doesn’t get filled in with information from hospitals, doctor’s offices, or long-term care facilities, where adverse drug events are diagnosed and treated. This meant that details about adverse drug events weren’t effectively shared among healthcare providers or across different health settings, creating a gap in how medications are managed. Currently, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, including Providence Health, is the only health authority in BC inputting adverse drug event information into PharmaNet through ActionADE.
Display of adverse drug event information in WinRx (Applied Robotics) pharmacy system.
Display of adverse drug event information in Kroll pharmacy system.
ActionADE is a web-based application that allows providers to document and communicate standardized adverse drug event information to providers in other health settings.