DOSE CHEx - safety FEatures
Expected range
The expected range of input and output values can be set separately for each input type, within each calculator. The helps eliminate errors caused by the use of incorrect units or from a misplaced decimal point.
If the input value is out of range an error message is shown below the input. In addition the output message has a red background to clearly identify there is a potential risk. Output value errors are indicated by the background colour of the output message.
Timed reset
When using apps that retain data there is a risk that you may mistakenly use information from a previous calculation. However, you may need to repeatedly refer to a calculation whilst preparing a drug or checking the calculation with a colleague.
Dose Chex allows you to set the period of time that must elapse before the calculator is reset. By default, it is set to five minutes but this can be increased up to 15 minutes if required. Changing this value to suits your practice will help prevent you referring to a calculation form a previous patient.
Weight limits
If you only treat adult or paediatric patients the range of patients weights will be different. For example, if you only treat adult patients a weight of 6kg will represent a data entry error. Performing drug calculations using a calculator might mean you fail to spot such an error.
Dose Chex allows you to set weight limits to suit the patient population you treat. It provides immediate feedback if you enter a value outside this range and prevents you completing the calculation.
The weight range can be changed in settings to the most appropriate values for you practice.
Weight Conversion
Dose Chex allows weights to be converted within the calculator you are using. This helps eliminate errors from incorrect calculations, transcription from other methods of conversion or the use of estimated values.
You can choose whether to use stone and pounds or pounds only. This can be set within the conversion part of the app each time you use it or can be set permanently in settings.
As you enter the values for stone or pounds the conversion is performed immediately. Tapping ‘set weight’ updates the calculator with the converted value.
