Improving management of paracetamol overdose: a software solution

Objective Paracetamol overdose is a common presentation to UK emergency departments, and national audits consistently identify shortfalls in the management of these patients. This study assesses the potential of a web-based computer application to improve the assessment and treatment of these patients. Methods A retrospective cohort of patients was identified and their actual management and that advised by the software were assessed against current guidelines. Results The application gave correct advice in all cases, significantly outperforming both actual treatment when the patients originally presented, and national performance based on previous College of Emergency Medicine audits. Conclusions Advice from custom-written software outperforms actual treatment of patients presenting after paracetamol overdose.