E-DRUG: Electronic prescribing (cont'd)

e-drug
1

E-drug: Electronic prescribing (cont'd)
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Hi Peter: No question about the intent with regards to security, but I
wonder if it isn't time to consider alternatives that might offer more
reassurance than wondering if someone has unauthorized access to
files used for Electronic Prescribing.

One alternative is to look at how the paper-driven system for
prescriptions was handled, and see if there isn't a model within the
Information Age technology that might be applied. For example, a
prescription pad that looks like a computer, or, in other words, a
dedicated computer network that functions to create, distribute
prescriptions, period. This closed, dedicated computer network could
then be configured to be monitored electronically, and security could
be controlled and managed. I like the idea of! limiting the number of
computers to a manageable and controllable environment, and an
added advantage is the low cost of uncomplicated networks like this.
Such a model is proposed for clinical research, with unique protocol
development for each clinical t!rial, electronically overseen by the
FDA. The Electronic Record Keeping and Signature requirements are
fully met and/or exceeded, and most importantly, this model is very
low-cost to implement.

Physicians writing prescriptions are not going to be hampered in any
way with such a system model, and certainly will be far more
comfortable knowing that their security issues are addressed in a
satisfactory manner. Developing countries need such simple, !low cost
alternatives, especially if security levels are higher than what is now
being promulgated by the majority of MIS departments.

Thanks,

Tom Poe, M.D., Director
The World Center For Clinical Research
2500 Dickerson Rd, H-124 Reno, NV 89503-4801
admin@worldccr.org http://www.worldccr.org
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