The introduction of information technology in nursing practice is a natural stage in the development of the healthcare sector. The use of the possibilities of technical progress in the care environment is welcomed, and certain innovative systems used as ancillary equipment allow for higher patient outcomes due to their merits. In particular, these are computerized provider order entry systems, special computer programs that are designed to simplify the task of nursing and doctoral staff in the work process. These algorithms are created to eliminate potential errors, plan all the necessary interventions properly, and evaluate the expected results of activities.
The impact of such systems on the healthcare system as a whole is significant since the workflow of employees improves, and better outcomes of interventions are achieved. In nursing practice, these high-tech programs also play an essential role because the time required for comprehensive care is shortened due to the convenient systematization of patient data, which allows junior employees to increase performance. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate an example of computerized provider order entry systems and their features and mention personal experience gained when managing this equipment.
Example of Computerized Provider Order Entry
The use of computerized provider order entry systems in medical practice opens up several positive perspectives. In particular, according to Alsweed, Alshaikh, Ahmed, Yunus, and Househ (2014), studies of this equipment prove that its implementation makes it possible to reduce “medication error rates by 55%” (p. 289). The essence of this technology lies in the fact that the required amount of remedies that are necessary for specific patients is entered into the electronic system.
Then, this information is transmitted directly to those who are responsible for the supply of drugs, for instance, pharmacies or clinical laboratories. As an example of such a system, it is possible to describe the program that allows including not the required medications but also the personal data of patients to eliminate possible errors during delivery.
The use of such a system allows achieving the reliable order of drug supply without making mistakes. As Brown et al. (2016) note, the data entry algorithm in the considered program helps to make notes regarding different groups of medications, which is particularly relevant when caring for patients of different profiles. For instance, intravenous drugs require more careful delivery and compliance with clearly defined terms; therefore, priority may be given to them. Also, Brown et al. (2016) remark that all the data in the system are stored securely. Therefore, the utilization of such innovative equipment in medical practice is a valuable way of ensuring the stable supply of necessary drugs and eliminating possible errors.
Personal Experience
When taking into account the experience gained with computerized provider order entry systems, one of these programs has helped me to increase confidence in my work and to achieve positive feedback from the management. In the process of analyzing patient information and studying medical prescriptions, I entered all the information into the system, transferring the number of required drugs directly to the provider. After delivering medications, I made sure that no mistakes were made.
One of the main advantages of working with computerized provider order entry systems is the safety of clinical decisions made. According to Ranji, Rennke, and Wachter (2014), recommendations for caregivers are included in the interface of such programs, which increases the effectiveness of interventions. I can note that in the course of work, I was able to think through the entire work plan quickly due to the prompts that the system offered. As a result, all patients without exception received necessary medications in the right dosage, and at the same time, I had time to solve accompanying tasks. This experience is certainly a positive one, and the application of such a practice can be called successful.
Nevertheless, when evaluating the utilization of computerized provider order entry systems, one negative aspect can be noted. In particular, the problem concerns the interaction of caregivers with one another and maintaining the team mode of operation.
When I ran the algorithm of such a program, I was focused on data entry and did not consult with my colleagues. However, in the process of nursing practice, communication is a valuable work mechanism, which allows gaining essential knowledge and honing professional skills. As Ranji et al. (2014) argue, communication changes among employees occur, which inevitably reduces the quality of teamwork. Therefore, when managing innovative data entry systems, it is necessary to maintain contact with colleagues to avoid the deterioration of the overall performance.
Conclusion
The use of computerized provider order entry systems in nursing practice allows for high performance and reduces the risk of medication errors. The purpose of the work done is to demonstrate the features of these programs in the care process and assess their relevance based on personal experience. The advantages of computerized provider order entry systems are undeniable, but the lack of communication may harm teamwork. The knowledge gained may help me to utilize this innovative technology in individual practice to avoid potential problems with prescribing necessary medications.
References
Alsweed, F., Alshaikh, A., Ahmed, A., Yunus, F., & Househ, M. (2014). Impact of computerised provider order entry system on nursing workflow, patient safety, and medication errors: Perspectives from the front line. International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 7(4), 287-300. Web.
Brown, C. L., Mulcaster, H. L., Triffitt, K. L., Sittig, D. F., Ash, J. S., Reygate, K.,… Slight, S. P. (2016). A systematic review of the types and causes of prescribing errors generated from using computerized provider order entry systems in primary and secondary care. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 24(2), 432-440. Web.
Ranji, S. R., Rennke, S., & Wachter, R. M. (2014). Computerised provider order entry combined with clinical decision support systems to improve medication safety: A narrative review. BMJ Quality & Safety, 23(9), 773-780. Web.