*ASTER

Although we have a long way to go, healthcare is changing rapidly. We are beginning to digitize greater and greater amounts of healthcare data, and to examine that data with new technologies.

In safety, the greater the amount of digitized healthcare data, the greater our opportunity to improve our process for gathering and reporting adverse drug events (ADEs).

If we can improve the way we find ADEs and the way we report them, while not asking healthcare professionals to take on more work than they already have, then we can truly improve public safety by taking advantage of technology.

This is a rare opportunity in safety where the means and the motivation are lined up. Digital healthcare data is increasing, technology is evolving, the public is calling for change, the government is breaking new ground. If we don’t act now to try and improve the situation, then shame on us.