Implementing computerized physician order entry in a public tertiary care hospital

Abstract

It is reported that at least one medication error per day occurs in hospitalized patients. Medication errors are not only harmful but also expensive. Prescription review by pharmacists is the standard to reduce prescribing error; however, due to the manual process, pharmacists lack time to conduct prescription reviews. Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) allows clinicians to directly place medication orders electronically, transmitted directly to the pharmacy. Successfully implemented CPOE systems improve the prescribing process and result in fewer medication errors. However, regardless of its significance, implementation of CPOE is a very difficult task, particularly in a public-sector hospital. Lady Reading Hospital-Medical Teaching Institution has a manual system for indenting medication system; pharmacists could only ensure the current dispensing of medication, but lack time and information to conduct a review to ensure the appropriateness of prescription. The article entails the barriers and the process of implementation of e-prescribing.