Implementation of computerized physician order entry at a community hospital

This paper describes a project designed to increase computerized physician order entry (CPOE) at a community hospital staffed by voluntary and employed physicians. Computerized physician order entry increased from 13% to 80% of inpatient medications ordered by voluntary doctors and from 42% to 87% of medications ordered by all physicians. Voluntary doctors did not shift medication ordering to employed staff. A weak correlation was found between total medication orders and use of CPOE by voluntary doctors. The rate of medication errors was reduced. The use of CPOE shortened time to pharmacy verification of orders and improved identification of ordering physicians.