Summary
The digital transformation of medicine is perhaps best exemplified by computerised provider order entry (CPOE), which refers to any system in which clinicians directly place orders electronically, with the orders transmitted directly to the recipient. As recently as 10 years ago, most clinician orders were handwritten. Spurred by the 2009 federal HITECH Act and the accompanying Meaningful Use program, CPOE usage rapidly increased in inpatient and outpatient settings. The vast majority of hospitals in the US and most outpatient practices now use some form of CPOE. CPOE systems were originally developed to improve the safety of medication orders, but modern systems now allow electronic ordering of tests, procedures, and consultations as well.
Content
The widespread implementation of CPOE thoughout the US has benefited clinicians and patients, but it also vividly illustrates the risks and unintended consequences of digitising a fundamental healthcare process, this paper published in PSNet explains how and why.
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