Calling the findings a sign of “dangerous lack of accountability,” Rep. Bob Filner said he would investigate the matter that put the safety of VA patients risk. “VA continues to discover problems and attempts to fix them quietly and internally, and then downplays them as inconsequential and nonthreatening,” Rep. Filner told AP. “No one expects new software to operate perfectly, but confidence must be inherent in any electronic medical records system.”

When the VA moved from a paper system for medical records to an electronic one, the process was designed to reduce human error. However, between August 2008 and December 2008, there were reports of patients receiving incorrect doses of medications, including cases where heparin was given to patients for up to 11 hours longer than necessary. Other errors included medications and vital signs showing up on the wrong patient’s medical charts. Health experts say that errors like these prove that more careful monitor needs to be done to prevent future errors.

“VA bureaucrats consistently refuse to provide necessary information regarding the serious problems that affect veterans and this pattern of secrecy is disconcerting and does enormous harm,” Filner told AP. “Oversight of this incident will continue.”

SOURCE: Heparin Recall › Lawmaker opens investigation into ’software glitches’ at VA

Moving from a paper system to an electronic medical records system was designed to reduce human error; however, health care experts say the errors prove that the VA’s system still needs to be carefully monitored. There have been no reports of harm caused by the errors, but the situation remains under review.

The errors involved medical data such as lab results, medications and vital signs that would show up under the wrong patient’s name. Doctor’s orders also were not clearly displayed, often resulting in unnecessary administering of intravenous drugs such as heparin.

VA released a statement saying that nine patients at the VA hospitals in Milwaukee, Durham, N.C., and Marion, Ind., were given incorrect doses, six of which involved heparin that was given for up to 11 hours longer than necessary, according to the Associated Press report. Other cases included infusions of sodium chloride or dextrose mixtures that were given up to 15 hours longer than prescribed.

Veterans with questions or concerns can request a copy of their medical records at www.myhealth.va.gov.

SOURCE: Heparin Recall › AP: ’software glitches’ led to prolonged infusions of heparin