Use Of Computerized Provider Order Entry Research Articles

Patterns and Perceptions of Standard Order Set Use Among Physicians Working Within a Multihospital System: Mixed Methods Study.

Electronic standard order sets automate the ordering of specific treatment, testing, and investigative protocols by physicians. These tools may help reduce unwarranted clinical variation and improve health care efficiency. Despite their routine implementation within electronic medical records (EMRs), little is understood about how they are used and what factors influence their adoption in practice. This study aims to (1) describe the patterns of use of standard order sets implemented in a widely used EMR (PowerPlans and Cerner Millennium) within a multihospital digital health care system; (2) explore the experiences and perceptions of implementers and users regarding the factors contributing to the use of these standard order sets; and (3) map these findings to the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behavior (COM-B) model of behavior change to assist those planning to develop, improve, implement, and iterate the use of standard order sets in hospital settings. Quantitative data on standard order set usage were captured from 5 hospitals over 5-month intervals for 3 years (2019, 2020, and 2021). Qualitative data, comprising unstructured and semistructured interviews (n=15), were collected and analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach. Interview themes were then mapped to a theory-informed model of behavior change (COM-B) to identify determinants of standard order set usage in routine clinical practice. The COM-B model is an evidence-based, multicomponent framework that posits that human actions result from multiple contextual influences, which can be categorized across 3 dimensions: capability, opportunity, and motivation, all of which intersect. The total count of standard order set usage across the health system during the 2019 observation period was 267,253, increasing to 293,950 in 2020 and 335,066 in 2021. There was a notable shift toward using specialty order sets that received upgrades during the study period. Four emergent themes related to order set use were derived from clinician interviews: (1) Knowledge and Skills; (2) Perceptions; (3) Technical Dependencies; and (4) Unintended Consequences, all of which were mapped to the COM-B model. Findings indicate a user preference for customized order sets that respond to local context and user experience. The study findings suggest that ongoing investment in the development and functionality of specialty order sets has the potential to enhance usage as these sets continue to be customized in response to local context and user experience. Sustained and continuous uptake of appropriate Computerized Provider Order Entry use may require implementation strategies that address the capability, opportunity, and motivational influencers of behavior.

Pursuing appropriateness of laboratory tests: a 15-year experience in an academic medical institution.

Appropriateness in Laboratory Medicine has been the object of various types of interventions. From published experiences, it is now clear that to effectively manage the laboratory test demand it is recommended to activate evidence-based preventative strategies stopping inappropriate requests before they can reach the laboratory. To guarantee appropriate laboratory test utilization, healthcare institutions should implement and optimize a computerized provider order entry (CPOE), exploiting the potential of electronic requesting as "enabling factor" for reinforcing appropriateness and sustaining its effects over time. In our academic institution, over the last 15 years, our medical laboratory has enforced various interventions to improve test appropriateness, all directly or indirectly based on CPOE use. The following types of intervention were implemented: (1) applying specific recommendations supported by monitoring by CPOE as well as a continuous consultation with clinicians (tumour markers); (2) removing outdated tests and avoiding redundant duplications (cardiac markers, pancreatic enzymes); (3) order restraints to selected wards and gating policy (procalcitonin, B-type natriuretic peptide, homocysteine); (4) reflex testing (bilirubin fractions, free prostate-specific antigen, aminotransferases, magnesium in hypocalcemia); and (5) minimum retesting interval (D-Dimer, vitamin B12, C-reactive protein, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase). In this paper, we reviewed these interventions and summarized theiroutcomes primarily related to the changes in total test volumes and cost savings, without neglecting patient safety. Our experience confirmed that laboratory professionals have an irreplaceable role as "stewards" in designing, implementing, evaluating, and maintaining interventions focused to improving test appropriateness.

Electronic ordering and the management of treatment interdependencies: a qualitative study of paediatric chemotherapy

BackgroundThere are serious safety risks associated with chemotherapy, often associated with interdependencies in regimens administered over months or years. Various strategies are used to manage these risks. Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems are also implemented to improve medication safety. Little is known regarding the effect of CPOE on how clinicians manage chemotherapy interdependencies and their associated safety strategies.MethodsWe conducted a multi-method qualitative study in a paediatric hospital. We analysed 827 oncology incidents reported following CPOE implementation and carried out semi-structured interviews with doctors (n = 10), nurses (n = 6), a pharmacist, and oncology CPOE team members (n = 2). Results were interpreted according to safety models (ultra-safe, high-reliability organisations [HROs], or ultra-adaptive).ResultsIncident reports highlighted two interrelated types of interdependencies: those within organisation of clinical activities and those inherent in chemotherapy regimens. Clinicians reported strategies to address chemotherapy risks and interdependencies. These included rigid rules and ‘no go’ contexts for treatment to proceed, typical of the ultra-safe model; use of time (e.g. planning only so far ahead) and sensitivity to operations, typical of HROs. We identified three different time horizons in CPOE use in relation to patients’ treatments: life-long, the whole regimen, and the ‘here and now’. CPOE supported ultra-safe strategies through automation and access to rules/standardisation, but also created difficulties and contributed to incidents. It supported the ‘here and now’ better than a life-long or whole regimen view of a patient treatment. Sensitivity to operations was essential to anticipate and resolve uncertainties, hazards, CPOE limitations, and mismatches between CPOE processes and workflow in practice.ConclusionsWithin oncology, CPOE appears to move the ‘mix’ of risk strategies towards ultra-safe models of safety and protocol-mandated care. However, in order to operate ultra-safe strategies embedded in CPOE and stay on protocol it is essential for clinicians to be thoughtful and show sensitivity to operations in CPOE use. CPOE design can be advanced by better consideration of mechanisms to support interdependencies.

ChemoPalRx: Development and implementation of a chemotherapy mobile provider order entry system in a safety net hospital.

73 Background: Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems have been shown to enhance the safety and efficiency of prescribing chemotherapy over the handwritten ordering process. However, many institutions lack the financial ability, technological capability, or operational flexibility to invest in and implement such a system. In particular, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center (OVMC), a Los Angeles County safety net hospital, is among these institutions with unique restrictions that preclude the use of chemotherapy CPOE and mandate handwritten orders. Methods: In an effort to bridge the gap for safe chemotherapy prescribing, we aimed to develop and implement an effective, scalable, and sustainable chemotherapy provider order entry solution that was operationally sensitive to institutions without a chemotherapy CPOE. The solution was designed as a mobile application using Xcode, the integrative development environment of Apple Inc., with the Swift programing language. Results: On September 5th, 2018, we launched a free, chemotherapy provider order entry solution on the worldwide Apple App Store – ChemoPalRx. Using ChemoPalRx, providers can search, customize, and print common chemotherapy regimens in prescription format. Along with a reference library of over 120 order set and 450 medications, ChemoPalRx is equipped with the functions to automate dosage calculation, suggest pre-medications and safety parameters, and trigger alerts for missing prescribing information. As a quality improvement initiative, we implemented ChemoPalRx at OVMC. Implementation stages include obtaining administrative buy-in, consulting with multidisciplinary staffs, investing $100 USD for a prescription printer, and encouraging providers to download ChemoPalRx on their own mobile devices. An ongoing prospective cohort study is being conducted to determine ChemoPalRx effectiveness in reducing errors compared to handwritten orders. Conclusions: ChemoPalRx is developed to enhance the safety and efficiency of chemotherapy prescribing. Implementation of this mobile application is feasible in the safety-net hospital setting and has the potential to transform oncology practices globally.

ChemoPalRx: Development and implementation of a chemotherapy mobile provider order entry system in a safety net hospital.

e18071 Background: Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems have been shown to enhance the safety and efficiency of prescribing chemotherapy over the handwritten ordering process. However, many institutions lack the financial ability, technological capability, or operational flexibility to invest in and implement such a system. In particular, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center (OVMC), a Los Angeles County safety net hospital, is among these institutions with unique restrictions that preclude the use of chemotherapy CPOE and mandate handwritten orders. Methods: In an effort to bridge the gap for safe chemotherapy prescribing, we aimed to develop and implement an effective, scalable, and sustainable chemotherapy provider order entry solution that was operationally sensitive to institutions without a chemotherapy CPOE. The solution was designed as a mobile application using Xcode, the integrative development environment of Apple Inc., with the Swift programing language. Results: On September 5th, 2018, we launched a free, chemotherapy provider order entry solution on the worldwide Apple App Store – ChemoPalRx. Using ChemoPalRx, providers can search, customize, and print common chemotherapy regimens in prescription format. Along with a reference library of over 120 order set and 450 medications, ChemoPalRx is equipped with the functions to automate dosage calculation, suggest pre-medications and safety parameters, and trigger alerts for missing prescribing information. As a quality improvement initiative, we implemented ChemoPalRx at OVMC. Implementation stages include obtaining administrative buy-in, consulting with multidisciplinary staffs, investing $100 USD for a prescription printer, and encouraging providers to download ChemoPalRx on their own mobile devices. An ongoing prospective cohort study is being conducted to determine ChemoPalRx effectiveness in reducing errors compared to handwritten orders. Conclusions: ChemoPalRx is developed to enhance the safety and efficiency of chemotherapy prescribing. Implementation of this mobile application is feasible in the safety-net hospital setting and has the potential to transform oncology practices globally.

Longitudinal study of user experiences of a CPOE system in a pediatric hospital

ObjectiveTo explore the views of nurses and doctors during the early stages of implementation of a computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system in a pediatric hospital and to examine changes in perceptions and reported behaviors as use of the CPOE system became routine. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were undertaken at four time points following CPOE implementation: during week one, week three, week six and then six months following implementation. In total, 122 users were interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Emergent themes were mapped to the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (e-TAM). ResultsInitial perceptions were driven by unfamiliarity with the system. As users became more proficient and efficient in using the CPOE system, additional safety benefits become apparent. However, accompanying increased reports of benefits were reports of usability problems and new types of errors arising from CPOE use. Reports of workarounds appeared for the first time at 6-month interviews. These workarounds were adopted to allow routine work to continue and to attenuate some of the perceived negative consequences of CPOE, including delayed medications and reduced patient interaction. ConclusionThis study is one of the first to examine changes in perceptions of CPOE at multiple points, demonstrating the trajectory of changes in views over time. It provides new information about the time point at which workarounds begin to be embedded in practice and are potentially most receptive to identification and remediation. It suggests an adaptive implementation and support program would be beneficial, as reported difficulties and concerns change during the first six months of use.

The Impact of Computerized Provider Order Entry on Nursing Practice.

Health information systems, such as Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE), are suggested to be used as an intervention for addressing errors that arise in the medication process. Nurses are involved in all stages of the medication process; however, little is known about the impact of using CPOE on nursing practice. A grounded theory approach was employed to answer the question of "How do nurses perceive the impact of CPOE on the medication process and collaborative practice?" Ten participants were interviewed. Of the ten individuals who participated in the study, eight were observed for two hours during their work shift. The data were analyzed using a constant comparative method. The participants described using CPOE that was integrated with an electronic medication administration record (eMAR). Use of CPOE had relational, contextual, cognitive, and workflow implications. The findings of this research can be used to inform workflow modeling, CPOE design, and change management.

Does extended CPOE use reduce patient length of stay?

ObjectiveThis study compares use of Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) and related clinical systems (i.e., extended CPOE) across 796 clinical teams caring for five distinct patient conditions. Our focus is the relationship between clinical teams’ extended CPOE use and extent of prolonged stay (EPS), defined as the deviation in patients’ observed length of stay from expected risk-adjusted length of stay. Materials and methodsUsing archival data from two affiliated hospitals in the Southeastern United States, we focused on five different patient conditions of varying mortality risk (vaginal birth, knee/hip replacement, cardiovascular surgery, organ transplant and pneumonia). For each patient, we (1) differentiated between the following three types of care team members—Responsible physician, Core team (excluding the responsible physician), and Support team, (2) created a composite of CPOE orders, documentation entries, patient record lookups, order set adherence, alert acknowledgement, and progress note entries to assess the deep structure use (DSU) of CPOE by the three types of members in the patients’ care team, and (3) aggregated DSU of CPOE across all three types of care team members to calculate Total team DSU. ResultsTeams with higher Total team DSU of CPOE had lower EPS for all five patient conditions. Patients of Core teams with higher DSU of CPOE had lower EPS in all conditions except organ transplant, comprising 93% of the patients studied. Higher DSU of CPOE by all three clinician types significantly reduced EPS for vaginal birth and knee/hip replacement, whereas higher DSU by two of the three types of care team members significantly reduced EPS for cardiovascular surgery and pneumonia. ConclusionsOur results suggest that a clinician team that uses CPOE in a comprehensive manner is better informed enabling the team to coordinate care more effectively, resulting in reduced EPS.

Evaluating the Impact of Computerized Provider Order Entry on Medical Students Training at Bedside: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of computerized provider order entry (CPOE) at the bedside on medical students training.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a randomized cross-controlled educational trial on medical students during two clerkship rotations in three departments, assessing the impact of the use of CPOE on their ability to place adequate monitoring and therapeutic orders using a written test before and after each rotation. Students’ satisfaction with their practice and the order placement system was surveyed. A multivariate mixed model was used to take individual students and chief resident (CR) effects into account. Factorial analysis was applied on the satisfaction questionnaire to identify dimensions, and scores were compared on these dimensions.ResultsThirty-six students show no better progress (beginning and final test means = 69.87 and 80.98 points out of 176 for the control group, 64.60 and 78.11 for the CPOE group, p = 0.556) during their rotation in either group, even after adjusting for each student and CR, but show a better satisfaction with patient care and greater involvement in the medical team in the CPOE group (p = 0.035*). Both groups have a favorable opinion regarding CPOE as an educational tool, especially because of the order reviewing by the supervisor.ConclusionThis is the first randomized controlled trial assessing the performance of CPOE in both the progress in prescriptions ability and satisfaction of the students. The absence of effect on the medical skills must be weighted by the small time scale and low sample size. However, students are more satisfied when using CPOE rather than usual training.

Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE): Important Nontechnical Issues and Considerations

The introduction of computerized provider order entry (CPOE) is considered one of the most disruptive technologies affecting all healthcare professionals.1 Planning is key to minimizing the disruption and requires participation and leadership from each different type of clinician who will interact with CPOE in the clinical environment.2,3 A multidisciplinary approach during the design, implementation, and ongoing use of CPOE will better ensure patient needs are met in an appropriate, efficient, and comprehensive manner.

Reduction in medication errors in hospitals due to adoption of computerized provider order entry systems

ObjectiveMedication errors in hospitals are common, expensive, and sometimes harmful to patients. This study's objective was to derive a nationally representative estimate of medication error reduction in hospitals attributable to electronic prescribing through computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems.Materials and methodsWe conducted a systematic literature review and applied random-effects meta-analytic techniques to derive a summary estimate of the effect of CPOE on medication errors. This pooled estimate was combined with data from the 2006 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Annual Survey, the 2007 American Hospital Association Annual Survey, and the latter's 2008 Electronic Health Record Adoption Database supplement to estimate the percentage and absolute reduction in medication errors attributable to CPOE.ResultsProcessing a prescription drug order through a CPOE system decreases the likelihood of error on that order by 48% (95% CI 41% to 55%). Given this effect size, and the degree of CPOE adoption and use in hospitals in 2008, we estimate a 12.5% reduction in medication errors, or ∼17.4 million medication errors averted in the USA in 1 year.DiscussionOur findings suggest that CPOE can substantially reduce the frequency of medication errors in inpatient acute-care settings; however, it is unclear whether this translates into reduced harm for patients.ConclusionsDespite CPOE systems’ effectiveness at preventing medication errors, adoption and use in US hospitals remain modest. Current policies to increase CPOE adoption and use will likely prevent millions of additional medication errors each year. Further research is needed to better characterize links to patient harm.

Associations between the concurrent use of clinical decision support and computerized provider order entry and the rates of appropriate prescribing at discharge

Electronic health record systems used in conjunction with clinical decision support (CDS) or computerized provider order entry (CPOE) have shown potential in improving quality of care, yet less is known about the effects of combination use of CDS and CPOE on prescribing rates at discharge. This study investigates the effectiveness of combination use of CDS and CPOE on appropriate drug prescribing rates at discharge for AMI or HF patients. Combination use of CDS and CPOE is defined as hospitals self-reporting full implementation across all hospital units of CDS reminders, CDS guidelines, and CPOE. Appropriate prescribing rates of aspirin, ACEI/ARBs, or beta blockers are defined using quality measures from Hospital Compare. Multivariate linear regressions are used to test for differences in mean appropriate prescribing rates between hospitals reporting combination use of CDS and CPOE, compared to those reporting the singular use of one or the other, or the absence of both. Covariates include hospital size, region, and ownership status. Approximately 10% of the sample reported full implementation of both CDS and CPOE, while 7% and 17% reported full use of only CPOE or only CDS, respectively. Hospitals reporting full use of CDS only reported between 0.2% (95% CI 0.04 - 1.0) and 1.6% (95% CI 0.6 - 2.6) higher appropriate prescribing rates compared to hospitals reporting use of neither system. Rates of prescribing by hospitals reporting full use of both CPOE and CDS did not significantly differ from the control group. Although associations found between full implementation of CDS and appropriate prescribing rates suggest that clinical decision tools are sufficient compared to basic EHR systems in improving prescribing at discharge, the modest differences raise doubt about the clinical relevance of the findings. Future studies need to continue investigating the causal nature and clinical relevance of these associations.

An Assessment of Health Care Information and Management Systems Society and Leapfrog Data on Computerized Provider Order Entry

To assess the internal consistency and agreement between the Health Care Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the Leapfrog computerized provider order entry (CPOE) data. Secondary hospital data collected by HIMSS Analytics, the Leapfrog Group, and the American Hospital Association from 2005 to 2007. Dichotomous measures of full CPOE status were created for the HIMSS and Leapfrog datasets in each year. We assessed internal consistency by calculating the percent of full adopters in a given year that report full CPOE status in subsequent years. We assessed the level of agreement between the two datasets by calculating the κ statistic and McNemar's test. We examined responsiveness by assessing the change in full CPOE status rates, over time, reported by HIMSS and Leapfrog data, respectively. Findings indicate minimal agreement between the two datasets regarding positive hospital CPOE status, but adequate agreement within a given dataset from year to year. Relative to each other, the HIMSS data tend to overestimate increases in full CPOE status over time, while the Leapfrog data may underestimate year over year increases in national CPOE status. Both Leapfrog and HIMSS data have strengths and weaknesses. Those interested in studying outcomes associated with CPOE use or adoption should be aware of the strengths and limitations of the Leapfrog and HIMSS datasets. Future development of a standard definition of CPOE status in hospitals will allow for a more comprehensive validation of these data.

CPOE in Non-Surgical Versus Surgical Specialties: A Qualitative Comparison of Clinical Contexts in the Medication Process

Background:Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems are implemented in various clinical contexts of a hospital. To identify the role of the clinical context in CPOE use, we compared the impact of a CPOE system on the medication process in both non-surgical and surgical specialties.Methods:We conducted a qualitative study of surgical and non-surgical specialties in a 1237-bed, academic hospital in the Netherlands. We interviewed the clinical end users of a computerized medication order entry system in both specialty types and analyzed the interview transcripts to elicit qualitative differences between the clinical contexts, clinicians’ attitudes, and specialty-specific requirements.Results:Our study showed that the differences in clinical contexts between non-surgical and surgical specialties resulted in a disparity between clinicians’ requirements when using CPOE. Non-surgical specialties had a greater medication workload, greater and more diverse information needs to be supported in a timely manner by the system, and thus more intensive interaction with the CPOE system. In turn these factors collectively influenced the perceived impact of the CPOE system on the clinicians’ practice. The non-surgical clinicians expressed less positive attitudes compared to the surgical clinicians, who perceived their interaction with the system to be less intensive and less problematic.Conclusion:Our study shows that clinicians’ different attitudes towards the system and the perceived impact of the system were largely grounded in the clinical context of the units. The study suggests that not merely the CPOE system, the technology itself, influences the perceptions of its users and workflow-related outcomes. The interplay between technology and clinical context of the implementation environment also matters. System design and redesigning efforts should take account of different units’ specific requirements in their particular clinical contexts.

Physicians’ beliefs about using EMR and CPOE: In pursuit of a contextualized understanding of health IT use behavior

Purpose To identify and describe physicians’ beliefs about use of electronic medical records (EMR) and computerized provider order entry (CPOE) for inpatient and outpatient care, to build an understanding of what factors shape information technology (IT) use behavior in the unique context of health care delivery. Methods Semi-structured qualitative research interviews were carried out, following the beliefs elicitation approach. Twenty physicians from two large Midwest US hospitals participated. Physicians were asked questions to elicit beliefs and experiences pertaining to their use of EMR and CPOE. Questions were based on a broad set of behavior-shaping beliefs and the methods commonly used to elicit those beliefs. Results Qualitative analysis revealed numerous themes related to the perceived emotional and instrumental outcomes of EMR and CPOE use; perceived external and personal normative pressure to use those systems; perceived volitional control over use behavior; perceived facilitators and barriers to system use; and perceptions about the systems and how they were implemented. EMR and CPOE were commonly believed to both improve and worsen the ease and quality of personal performance, productivity and efficiency, and patient outcomes. Physicians felt encouraged by employers and others to use the systems but also had personal role-related and moral concerns about doing so. Perceived facilitators and barriers were numerous and had their sources in all aspects of the work system. Conclusion Given the breadth and detail of elicited beliefs, numerous design and policy implications can be identified. Additionally, the findings are a first step toward developing a theory of health IT acceptance and use contextualized to the unique setting of health care.

User Satisfaction with Computerized Order Entry System and Its Effect on Workplace Level of Stress

To evaluate the impact of Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) on workplace stress and overall job performance, as perceived by medical students, housestaff, attending physicians and nurses, after CPOE implementation at Penn State-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, an academic tertiary care facility, in 2005. Using an online survey, the authors studied attitudes towards CPOE among 862 health care professionals. The main outcome measures were job performance and perceived stress levels. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Analytical Software (SAS Inc, Carey, NC). A total of413 respondents completed the entire survey (47.9 % response rate). Respondents in the younger age group were more familiar with the system, used it more frequently, and were more satisfied with it. Interns and residents were the most satisfied groups with the system, while attending physicians expressed the least satisfaction. Attending physicians and fellows found the system least user friendly compared with other groups, and also tended to express more stress and frustration with the system. Participants with previous CPOE experience were more familiar with the system, would use the system more frequently and were more likely to perceive the system as user friendly. User satisfaction with CPOE increases by familiarity and frequent use of the system. Improvement in system characteristics and avoidance of confusing terminology and inconsistent display of data is expected to enhance user satisfaction. Training in the use of CPOE should start early, ideally integrated into medical and nursing school curricula and form a continuous, long-term and user-specific process. This is expected to increase familiarity with the system, reducing stress and leading to improved user satisfaction and to subsequent enhanced safety and efficiency.

Using Computerized Provider Order Entry to Implement Actions of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) offers the opportunity to enhance communication to prescribers regarding the actions of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee. This includes formulary decisions, cost-containment strategies, and medication safety initiatives. In a system of paperbased orders, it can be challenging for prescribers to know what drugs are on formulary or are restricted to certain specialty services. Much of the responsibility for contacting the prescribers regarding nonformulary choices and restrictions lies with the pharmacist processing the order. CPOE allows for this information to be presented to the prescriber at the time of ordering and provides alternative agents when available. This article presents examples of the use of CPOE to implement P&T actions at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital (VCH).

Using CPOE to Improve Communication, Safety, and Policy Compliance When Ordering Pediatric Chemotherapy

Medication ordering in the pediatric population is a complex process, which requires the provider to take the patient’s weight, age, and developmental stage into account. Pediatric chemotherapy orders include additional factors such as body surface area (BSA) and the inherent risks of antineoplastic agents, specifically their high potential for toxicity and narrow therapeutic index. At Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, we use computerized provider order entry (CPOE) for all inpatient chemotherapy orders. This article will describe our use of CPOE to enhance safety, policy compliance, and communication between health care providers when ordering chemotherapy.

Improved operational efficiency through elimination of waste and redundancy

Improved operational efficiency through elimination of waste and redundancy

Creating a Culture of Medication Administration Safety: Laying the Foundation for Computerized Provider Order Entry

Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems are recognized as an effective tool for reducing preventable adverse drug events; however, implementation is a complex process that involves much more than installing new software. The literature addresses the use of these systems in large tertiary care hospitals and university settings; yet there is little information on their implementation and use in smaller hospitals. Beaver Dam Community Hospital, a small, rural hospital, set about laying the foundation for implementing CPOE. Actions were taken in terms of context (the culture and attitude, acceptance, and importance regarding the change), process (roles, workflow, and policies relating to the change), and content (how-to, such as procedural steps and rules). USE OF THE RAPID-CYCLE IMPROVEMENT PROCESS: The team elected to use the rapid-cycle improvement process for implementation to allow it to move ahead quickly, adjusting changes as necessary for maximum success. Each change was considered an individual Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, with its own action plan and measurement for successful implementation. The Patient Safety Committee has begun the planning of actual implementation--Phase II. Issues addressed include how to phase in the system--in which units to bring up first, how to structure the transitional period, how to redesign workflow, and how to plan role changes. The changes already implemented contribute to medication safety and are important from that perspective alone, without the use of CPOE. The addition of an electronic system will enhance the organization's ability to provide safe, accurate medication administration.