The effect of computerized physician order entry on mortality rates in pediatric and neonatal care setting: Meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Introduction A growing body of literature suggests a positive impact of computerized physician order entry systems (CPOE) for effective error detection and prevention. Yet, these may not result in improvements to patient outcome. This study aims at evaluating the impact of CPOE on mortality rates in inpatient pediatric and neonatal care settings. Method A search was conducted for all possible English literature that was relevant to the impact of CPOE on mortality rate. The inclusion criteria for the studied articles were: 1) children 0–18 years old 2) CPOE compared with no-CPOE, 3) randomized control trial or cohort, 4) mortality rate, and 5) publication date ranging from 1995 and after. Excluded from this analysis were descriptive and non-English literature studies. Results Five cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. Two studies took place at pediatric wards and three at PICUs and/or NICUs. A meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in mortality rate when CPOEs were used. However, the included studies failed to provide a homogenous distribution. Conclusion Although the result of this study reveals that the outcome remains to be established, CPOE has the potential to provide guidance to physicians. Further studies are needed.