Hospitals’ reliance on ‘Camelion’ software raises safety concerns: latest malfunction leads to errors in clinical information

In recent years, the “Camelion” computerized medical file management system has come under scrutiny due to a series of malfunctions that have affected the accuracy of clinical information for some hospitalized patients. The latest issue was discovered through control and inspection processes, resulting in errors in blood type, misdiagnoses, and incorrect labeling of procedures being copied from patient to patient. Despite these problems, the Ministry of Health has assured that no patients were harmed by these malfunctions, but investigations are still ongoing to determine the extent of the defect.

The first malfunction in the “Camelion” software occurred back in February when around 1,200 patients were affected by an error that erroneously added drugs to their list of permanent medications. This software has been in operation since 2008 and is utilized by approximately 80% of hospitals in Israel, serving tens to hundreds of thousands of patients daily. The “Camelion” system is essential for managing the entire process of hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and treatment in hospital wards and clinics.

As authorities continue to investigate these malfunctions, it is crucial for hospitals to address these issues promptly to ensure patient safety and the accuracy of medical records. The reliance on computerized systems like “Camelion” highlights the importance of robust maintenance and oversight to prevent such errors from occurring in the future. Hospitals must prioritize patient safety above all else and work diligently to minimize any potential risks associated with computerized systems.