Specificity of computerized physician order entry has a significant effect on the efficiency of workflow for critically ill patients.
BACKGROUND
Critically ill patients require rapid care, yet they are also at risk for morbidity from the potential complications of that care. Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) is advocated as a tool to reduce medical errors, improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and improve outcomes. Little is known regarding the essential attributes of CPOE in the intensive care unit (ICU).


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of CPOE on ICU patient care.


METHODS
Retrospective before and after cohort study.


METHODS
An academic ICU.


METHODS
Patients admitted to the ICU during use of the initial CPOE application and those admitted after its modification.


METHODS
Comprehensive order interface redesign improving clarity, specificity, and efficiency.


METHODS
Orders for complex ICU care were compared between the two groups. In addition, the use of higher-efficiency CPOE order paths was tracked.


RESULTS
Patients treated with both the initial and modified CPOE system were similar for all measured characteristics. With the modified CPOE system, there were significant reductions in orders for vasoactive infusions, sedative infusions, and ventilator management. There was also a significant increase in orders executed through ICU-specific order sets after system modifications.


CONCLUSIONS
This retrospective study cannot assess issues related to learner expertise and is meant to only suggest the importance of developing CPOE systems that are appropriate for specialty care environments.


CONCLUSIONS
Appropriate CPOE applications can improve the efficiency of care for critically ill patients. The workflow requirements of individual units must be analyzed before technologies like CPOE can be properly developed and implemented.
Ali
Naeem A
NA
The Dorthy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Mekhjian
Hagop S
HS
Kuehn
P Lynn
PL
Bentley
Thomas D
TD
Kumar
Rajee
R
Ferketich
Amy K
AK
Hoffmann
Stephen P
SP
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D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine