Implementation of Computerized Physician Order Entry - Essay Example

"Implementation of Computerized Physician Order Entry" is a perfect example of a paper on the health system. The direct entry of orders for diagnostic tests, referrals by authorized prescribers or physicians, patient care, and medications into a computer system is known as CPOE. Only a small number of hospitals, 5 % to be precise have managed to implement CPOE due to technicality and cost issues. Since its introduction forty years ago, CPOE has hardly replaced the tendency of physicians to put everything down on paper despite its apparent benefits.

            The CPOE system was developed by Lockheed Martin in 1971 (Williams, 2002). He developed the system in a hospital located in the Mountain View area of California. The system was first used in El Camino hospital where it was developed. Although it was simple it improved the efficiency through which medication was ordered. Other improvements of the El Camino version were implemented during the years 1984 and 1988 (Hutchins, 2006). The system was commercialized from 1994 to 2004. Unfortunately, as of 2009 up to the moment, only a small number of hospitals have managed to implement the system since it is fairly complex and costly.

            The system needs an exorbitant amount of funds to maintain and implement. Moreover, it requires the alteration of certain inpatient care processes and physician practices (Dolan & Bates, 2002). A physician using CPOE is likely to spend a considerable amount of time entering orders. Finally, the system requires 12 to 24 months to implement. That notwithstanding, CPOE helps improve the efficiency of care delivery, standardize health care and most importantly it helps reduce adverse drug effects.  It also eliminates medication transcription errors. By refining and automating clinical ordering processes, CPOE provides physicians with valuable and relevant information that aids in the decision-making process hence reducing medical errors.

 

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