Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems have significant potential to improve medication error detection and prevention despite having its own CPOE implementation issues. With user-friendly interfaces, history and alerts, these systems offer a variety of options to assist providers in safe ordering practices. These systems can also be valuable tools in improving the overall quality and safety of our healthcare system. Secondly, they will help decrease human error that is often associated with illegible handwriting when prescribing medication orders on paper orders.
Computerized order entry (CPOE) is a valuable tool for physicians because it allows for the quick and easy entry of orders, as opposed to handwritten orders which can be time consuming and difficult to read. The use of a computerized platform for order entry changes the ordering process. However, with increased access to this technology, there is a tendency for abuse that could take the form of overuse, underuse, and misuse.
In fact, the implementation of CPOE systems can be hindered by barriers. These CPOE implementation issues cannot be ignored or minimized. Knowing what strategies have proven successful and what upfront analysis is required can help increase the chances of success while minimizing these risks.
What are the usual CPOE implementation issues?
1. Disruptions in workflow
Implementing CPOE can be challenging because it can disrupt workflow. Training staff and patients is one of the most time-consuming aspects of implementing CPOE.
Medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, must learn how to use the system. A basic understanding of computers will be necessary as well.
A number of employees may experience some initial discomfort when changes are introduced in the workplace, especially if they have been working with the old system for a long time. However, as people become more familiar with the changes and become accustomed to them, the level of disruption will decrease.
2. Cultural Differences
Staff resistance to using new technology has been one of the most significant CPOE implementation issues. Some physicians have reportedly resisted the use of computerized physician order entry tools because of their personal preference for relying on their own experience.
Some physicians are resistant to using electronic medical records because they want to maintain the more familiar practice of dictating notes on paper and using charts instead of keyboards.
3. Accuracy of Data Entry
Data entry is one of the most common CPOE implementation issues in healthcare organizations. To ensure accuracy, medical employees must type up orders quickly and without mistakes.
Providers trained in this process can dictate their orders over the phone lines, which will then be transcribed by a transcriptionist. This process frees up providers to see more patients. Once people get comfortable using this technology, it should allow them to make fewer errors when creating prescriptions and reduce the amount of time spent on simple clerical tasks.
4. Difficulty of Initial Setup
Installing a CPOE system can be a costly and time-consuming process. Many healthcare institutions have difficulty integrating CPOE hardware and software into their existing systems.
Off-the-shelf solutions are not flexible enough to meet the needs of healthcare providers, who must customize solutions for each hospital, clinic, or laboratory.
To make a CPOE system effective and efficient, it is necessary to integrate the system with other systems. These might include an institution’s electronic medical records (EMR), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), or pharmacy software solutions.
Final Thoughts on CPOE Implementation Issues
In the end, CPOE systems are not perfect. But they are helping hospitals stay organized, reduce errors, and save thousands of lives every year. That’s an accomplishment worth striving for, and something that we should hope to see more of in years to come.
Connect With an Expert To Avoid CPOE Implementation Issues
If you need to deploy a customized CPOE application for your healthcare organization while preventing CPOE implementation issues, contact Lifepoint Informatics at 877.522.8378 today. Lifepoint has deployed over 20,000 projects successfully since 1999. Visit our contact page to book a live demo of our health IT solutions.