Introduction: Many countries around the world are cooperating with various national and international agencies for Infectious Disease Surveillance. In 2015, there was an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) in Korea. An effective way is required to identify and trace those who are suspected to be infected. Short description of practice change implemented: The Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is an online clinical decision support system and provides a real-time drug related alert messaging services for medication orders. Any medication order must be checked with DUR to prevent drug-related medical errors. Aim and theory of change: In order to identify and to trace the individuals who were infected with MERS-CoV and had close-contacts with quickly. Targeted population and stakeholders: Korean population, Healthcare Providers (above of 80,000) and Government ministries such as Korea Immigration Office (KMO), Center for Disease Prevention and Control of Korea (KCDC) and Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). Timeline: June 10, 2015 ~ present. Highlights: The DUR system was effectively used: - To identify and trace infected individuals and those who had close-contacts with them; - To provide rapid infection risk information to medical personnel; - To prevent healthcare associated infections (HAIs); - To improve safety of inpatients and medical personnel; and - To reduce time for epidemiological investigations. Comments on sustainability: The DUR system has been successfully adopted by almost all hospitals and clinics that use computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems and it will still be useful for surveillance purposes, contributing to the development of integrated medical care. It can be further developed into a national disease monitoring system like as Health Alert Network (HAN). Comments on transferability: Reliable network environment and introduction of electronic medical records are necessary. Conclusions (comprising key findings): The DUR system has been developed to reduce the risk of drug related errors, but it has evolved into a health alert system in the process of overcoming MERS-CoV. This is a good example of the meaningful use of information and information exchange across the healthcare and other sectors.
