CPOE: Sufficient, but not Perfect, Evidence for Taking Action

Abstract

Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems facilitate safe, effective care for patients by insuring that clinical care directions are communicated in a timely, accurate, and complete manner. Integrating clinical decision support functions into CPOE systems enhances the value of the CPOE systems by incorporating contemporary knowledge and best practice recommendations into the clinical management process. Insuring the quality, accuracy, and relevance of the decision logic integrated within CPOE systems is a sine qua non of safe and effective practice. The special section on CPOE presented within this issue of JAMIA offers practical advice on taking the next steps toward insuring the availability of CPOE systems enriched by decision support. Institutions hoping to deploy decision-support enhanced CPOE systems require evidence to justify acquisition and use of such systems. They require evidence that the CPOE developers have embedded and maintained a sufficient quantity and quality of knowledge upon which to … Correspondence and reprints: Professor Patricia Flatley Brennan, The University of Wisconsin—Madison, School of Nursing and College of Engineering, 600 Highland Avenue (H6241 CSC), Madison, WI 53792-2455; Tel: (608) 263-5251; Fax: (608) 263-5252; e-mail: