A computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system enables your team to order lab tests, request radiology work, and manage referrals much more effectively than when relying on old-fashioned methods.
Of course, before adopting a new computer system for managing patient data, it’s a good idea to carefully weigh CPOE systems pros and cons. In our experience working with medical practices across the country, the benefits of CPOE systems outweigh any potential disadvantages.
Below we’ve compared the advantages and potential disadvantages of CPOE systems, so you can make better informed decisions while using this technology.
Advantages of CPOE Systems
You should know how a CPOE system works and what benefits it brings. The main advantages of computer provider order entry CPOE systems include:
Boost efficiency
CPOE accelerates the entire order process by eliminating manual steps like hunting for forms, faxing, and verifying receipt. Orders move through the system faster, helping practices handle higher patient volumes without delays.
Enhance patient safety
Replacing illegible handwriting and manual transcription helps prevent medication errors, duplicate orders, and harmful drug interactions. A model simulation by Value Health, as published by the National Library of Medicine, found that CPOE was associated with 15 million fewer medication errors and 14,500 adverse drug events (ADEs) over five years. In a scenario reflecting a practice group of five providers, CPOE was associated with 3,875 fewer medication errors and 39 fewer ADEs over the same period, and was dominant in 80% of the simulations.
Built-in alerts and clinical decision support work hand-in-hand with CPOE to guide providers toward the safest and most effective treatment options, further reducing risk and supporting high-quality care.
Lower costs
CPOE greatly reduces costs for healthcare practices. In Value Health‘s base case, CPOE dominated paper prescribing, costing $18 million less over five years. In the scenario reflecting a practice group of five providers, CPOE cost $265,000 less over the same period and continued to be dominant in 80% of the simulations.
Reduce cognitive burdens
CPOE lightens staff mental load by removing repetitive administrative tasks like locating paper forms, manually filling them out, and tracking order confirmations. Staff can focus on higher-priority patient care tasks instead of juggling paperwork.
