Sociotechnical analysis of a neonatal ICU in the context of CPOE

Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) with decision support is an important tool for addressing preventable medication errors. However, reports of poorly designed systems have shown an increase in adverse events. As part of a project aimed at designing a decision support system for antibiotic prescribing, a sociotechnical approach was used to understand the environment where CPOE is used in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Themes identified included pride in practice, teamwork and collaboration, information integration, and a constantly changing environment.