CPOE: How does it work?
A physician uses the system by logging onto the web-based interface from a desktop computer or mobile device and inputting the patient's identification information, such as a medical record number. The doctor then indicates the test they want to order by choosing from a predetermined set of menus ( View Screen shot ). The physician then uses a series of check boxes to indicate the patient's symptoms, the individual's past history and the probable diagnoses. ( View Screen shot )
Once a test is chosen the system may alert the physician to previous outcomes for that test in other patients with the same signs and symptoms. Physicians can see the evidence on which the system is basing its recommendation by clicking on various links.
In addition to the rules embedded in the system to make determinations, hospitals can customize or generate "rules" to follow their own specific guidelines. The Brigham and Women's Hospital model is built so doctors can override any suggestions made by the system; thus, the physician always has the final say.
Once the test is ordered, the scheduling ( View Screen shot ) can be done online saving the patient and hospital valuable time. Then, once the appropriate test is performed, physicians caring for the patient will be notified immediately that images and text reports are available so that important clinical decisions can be made in a timely fashion. The physicians can review the reports at their own computer or at a mobile computer device.
Finally, the more cases that are inputted into the system, the smarter the system becomes, with more information on which to draw.
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This page was last modified on 4/13/2012