Digital records systems have created unforeseen safety risks, sometimes contributing to serious mistakes in treatment, and that’s particularly true for pediatric patients, contends researchers for the Pew Charitable Trusts. These unintended consequences can be devastating for young patients, especially when they involve medications—pediatric patients often have dosages adjusted depending on their weights or ages. The researchers found that current EHR systems generally don’t reflect the differences in care provided to adults and children. In fact, “EHRs in use today often do not adequately address specific challenges that emerge in pediatric settings,” the report notes.
