Evaluating the impact of computerised pathology order entry systems in hospitals

Abstract

Computerised pathology order entry (CPOE) systems allow clinicians to electronically place orders for laboratory tests. These systems have been widely promoted because of their potential to improve healthcare efficiency and effectiveness and enhance the quality of patient care. Moreover, the incorporation of clinical decision support features into CPOE systems can contribute to the quality use of pathology by improving the appropriateness of test choice, reducing redundant test numbers and enabling evidence based decision making. 1 However CPOE systems also pose major challenges to hospitals and pathology services. They involve large scale capital investment and there is emerging evidence that their implementation is not straightforward and easy. This presentation provides an overview of key research findings over six years about the impact of CPOE on pathology services in Australian settings. It identifies a number of areas where CPOE can affect the provision of quality healthcare while also describing the key challenges faced. The presentation also outlines a suite of key indicators which can be used to monitor, enhance and sustain CPOE performance.