Health Affairs · 2002 · 143 citations · 22 references
ComputingHealth InformaticsHealth Services AdministrationHealth Services ResearchHealthcare PolicyHospital AdministrationHospital Information SystemsMedication Administration SystemsMedication Management SystemsOrder EntryElectronic Ordering SystemsHealth Care Quality MeasurementMedication Order EntryMedication OrderingOrder Entry ErrorsOrder Entry SystemsPhysician EntryPhysician Order Entry
Concerns with health care quality and medical errors are evident in media reports and research studies. A number of studies have demonstrated that computerized physician order entry (CPOE) can reduce medication error rates. In response, the California government and the Leapfrog Group have called for hospitals to implement CPOE for medications. However, few hospitals now use CPOE. Barriers include the large investment needed and the state of commercial CPOE systems. We argue that government, employers, and insurers should share the costs of CPOE and should fund further research into its benefits and means of implementation.
22