Epocrates Helped Physicians Avoid 27 Million Drug Errors in 2012
January 23 2013 - 9:00AM
Patient safety is a top priority for all clinicians, yet
preventable drug errors are still prevalent throughout the United
States. In the past year, Epocrates (Nasdaq:EPOC) has helped
clinicians avoid more than 27 million adverse drug events through
its popular medical application. This translates to more than 25
percent of Epocrates drug lookups preventing a minor to serious
adverse drug event.
Sixty percent of U.S. physicians who use the Epocrates app
reported avoiding at least one adverse drug error every week
through the company's mobile and online reference products,
according to a recent survey1. Physicians cite the drug Interaction
Checker as the most helpful safety feature in the Epocrates app and
a primary influence in changing prescribing decisions. The
Interaction Checker enables clinicians to quickly enter up to 30
prescription, over-the-counter and alternative medicines to view
potential interactions in order of severity. Additional safety
features in the app include drug dosing, adverse reactions and news
alerts.
"Epocrates delivers invaluable information at my fingertips with
access to prescribing information when and where I need it," said
Dr. W. Wolfe, Spotsylvania, Va. "The product has made my treatment
of patients safer. I would find it more difficult to practice
medicine without Epocrates, given the increasing complexities of
medicine."
With drug information changing at a rapid pace, it is important
for physicians to have information readily available at the point
of care. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved
35 new prescription medications, one of the highest authorization
levels in history. As more drugs join the market, new indications
are approved and the average patient is taking multiple
medications, physicians need easy access to trusted medication
safety information instantly.
"Epocrates is a very valuable tool for me as someone with
chronic illness on multiple medications. I need to closely monitor
for potential interactions with my physician and can immediately
review results together on a smartphone," said John Chaney,
Pikeville, Ky.
The majority of U.S. physicians currently use a mobile device,
such as a smartphone, tablet or combination of both, to access
Epocrates. Most physicians who use the app access it daily,
primarily during patient encounters. Epocrates products are
available on popular platforms such as Apple iOS and Google Android
OS. For more information and to download the app, visit
www.epocrates.com/mobile.
About Epocrates, Inc.
Epocrates, Inc. (Nasdaq:EPOC) is recognized for developing the
#1 medical application among U.S. physicians for clinical content,
practice tools and health industry engagement at the point of care.
Epocrates has established a loyal network of more than one
million healthcare professionals, including 50 percent of U.S.
physicians, who routinely use its intuitive solutions to help
streamline workflow and improve patient care. The company also
facilitates the delivery of valuable content and tools between
partnering organizations and its members. For more information,
please visit www.epocrates.com/company.
The Epocrates, Inc. logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=10943
Epocrates is a trademark of Epocrates, Inc., registered in the
U.S. and other countries.
1 2012 Epocrates Specialty Survey (n= 2,700 U.S.
physicians). Results are available at:
http://www.epocrates.com/who/media/mediaresources/statistics.
CONTACT: Erica Sniad Morgenstern
Senior Director, Public Relations and Communications
Epocrates, Inc.
(650) 227-6907
pr@epocrates.com
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