A COMPARISON OF DRUG-INTERACTION SOFTWARE PROGRAMS - APPLICABILITY TOTHE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Study objective: To compare the features of available drug interaction software programs in terms of general applicability to an emergency d epartment setting. Design: Prospective evaluation of drug interaction software programs based on presence or absence of a variety of perform ance features. Setting: University and community hospital EDs. Partici pants: Eight commercially available drug interaction software programs . Results: Programs were evaluated according to designated performance and data base features. Tabulated results were compiled for purposes of comparison. Conclusion: Although no computer program tested complet ely met the specific needs of a busy ED, many programs have features w ith at least some general applicability.