A recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Informatics Association found that one in ten electronic prescriptions contained an error, a rate comparable to the error rate for the old fashioned manual, paper-based prescription system.

Anachronistic types will nod that this news affirms all this new technology stuff will not make anything better.

But there is an important line in the conclusion from the study authors: 

"implementing a computerized prescribing system without comprehensive functionality and processes in place to ensure meaningful system use does not decrease medication errors."

Two take-aways...

The right software matters.  There was a wide disparity in the error rate between systems with full e-prescribing functionality and those with limited capability.  Some practices are trying to jam a cheap solution in to get some eRx bonus money.  Just know there is a cost and it comes in the form of a higher error rate, some of which have a harmful effect on the patient.

Implementation matters, specifically on the workflow change side of things.  So much of this is not about the technology, but how the technology will allow you to put a better workflow in place.  We've talked repeatedly about the fact that implementation is about more than installing the software.  This drives home the point that it is also about more than even training on the software.  It really is about using the technology to change and improve the way you practice.  If your implementation approach does not embrace the full scope of this, then again, there are hidden costs.  This is just one example.