Patient care automation: the future is now. Part 6. Does reality live up to the promise?

By almost any measure, it appears that patient-centered integrated information systems with an operations optimization focus contribute significantly to an institution's efficiency, efficacy, and quality. As with any other management enhancement tool, savings will only accrue if the institution manages to the savings. Nevertheless, such savings appear realizable and achievable. User communities, including nurses, physicians, administrators, and others all profit individually and collectively by using such a system. Finally, by providing better quality care and spending less time on clerical work, patients are the ultimate recipients of the benefits of an integrated patient-centered approach.