Always vigilant; At Banner Health in Phoenix, a computerized decision-support system helps warn caregivers when adverse drug interactions or other harmful eventsare imminent.(The Edge) From: Modern Healthcare | Date: May 26, 2003| Author: Morrissey, John | COPYRIGHT 2003 Crain Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Byline: John Morrissey

More than a thousand times last year, physicians practicing at three Phoenix-area hospitals made crucial changes in patient therapy that prevented or headed off harm they didn't see coming until a vigilant computer intervened. Imminent consequences such as medication-induced heart stoppages, kidney complications and unchecked bleeding were stopped in their tracks.

For those three facilities in Phoenix-based Banner Health System, the qui...