Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) is a type of patient
management software for medical professionals. The doctor enters
treatment instructions for patients into the computerized system and it
becomes readily available to other medical professionals (pharmacists,
radiologists, lab workers, etc.) over a computer network. This software streamlines patient care within a
facility, which results in many benefits to doctors as well as the
patients.
The ordering process is standardized throughout the organization. The
order is communicated to all the organization’s departments, which
improves response times and reduces scheduling conflicts. When the order
is placed, it shows the patient’s medical history as well as clinical
guidelines for treatment, so all necessary medical professionals can
become familiar with the patient at a glance.
CPOE also has many features to ensure patient safety. It identifies
patients instantly and offers drug dose recommendations and any
potential conflicts with drug allergies or treatment. It also complies
with HIPPA regulations, so patients’ personal information is safe and
secure, requiring an electronic signature.
This software system helps prevent delays in ordering tests or
prescriptions. Since other professionals in the organization will no
longer have to decipher unreadable handwriting, the chance of errors is
reduced dramatically. The system also provides error-checking, so any
duplicate prescriptions or tests or any other inaccurate information can
be caught immediately.
Studies show that having this patient management software in every
medical practice can prevent up to three million errors related to
incorrect medications and dosages annually. In addition, this
computerized system can reduce a patient’s length of stay in a hospital,
lessen the number of unnecessary tests and reduce the wait time for
various laboratory or radiology tests. In addition, it provides cost
savings for all.
Despite the many benefits, many hospitals throughout the country have
been hesitant to use this patient management software due to high costs,
the amount of training time involved and the length of time it takes to
install this network.