Warning about software errors: Incorrect medication dosage possible
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) has issued an important warning to medical practices in Germany. It concerns technical problems with the software that doctors use to manage their patients. When information from the nationwide medication plan (BMP) is imported into the system, dangerous errors can occur.
The medication plan is an important document for patients who take several medications at the same time. It shows exactly when and in what quantity a medicine must be taken. The KBV now reports that transmission errors can occur when this plan is read digitally. This means that the software saves incorrect dosages in the system that do not match the original plan.
These errors pose a significant risk to patient safety. If a patient takes the wrong amount of a medication, it can seriously damage their health. Especially with strong medications, exact dosage is vital. The KBV therefore advises doctors to always check the data manually after importing it and not to rely solely on technology.
The cause of the problem lies in the so-called practice management software. The manufacturers of these programs are now called upon to fix the errors as quickly as possible. Until then, medical professionals must be particularly careful when transferring digital data into their systems.
Patients can also contribute to safety. Experts recommend looking closely at new prescriptions or changes to the medication plan. If the doctor's instructions do not match the information on the packaging or the plan, you should immediately ask at the practice or pharmacy.