Hard-stop alert

Definition

A hard-stop alert is a type of electronic warning in clinical software systems that requires immediate attention and resolution before further actions can be taken. It is designed to prevent potentially harmful medical errors by enforcing mandatory intervention.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hard-stop alerts are non-negotiable and require action before proceeding.
2. They are commonly used in electronic health records (EHR) systems to ensure patient safety.
3. Hard-stop alerts can help prevent medication errors by flagging dangerous interactions or contraindications.
4. Ignoring a hard-stop alert is considered a breach of protocol and may have legal implications.
5. Effective use of hard-stop alerts relies on accurate and updated patient data.

Review Questions

• What is the primary purpose of a hard-stop alert in healthcare informatics?
• How do hard-stop alerts differ from soft alerts in terms of user interaction?
• What could be the potential consequences of ignoring a hard-stop alert?

Related terms

Soft Alert: A type of electronic notification that provides information or warnings but does not require immediate action.

Electronic Health Record (EHR): A digital version of a patient's paper chart, containing comprehensive health information.

Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS): An application that analyzes data within EHRs to help healthcare providers make informed decisions.