Reduction in Chemotherapy Order Errors With Computerized Physician Order Entry
Abstract
It is very important to be able to correctly place chemotherapy orders in order to avoid mistakes; but this is difficult to accomplish as “Errors involving chemotherapy can occur at any stage of the process, including ordering, preparation, administration, and monitoring.” [1] . This article investigates three different methods (handwritten, pre-printed orders, and Computerized Physician Order Entry ) physicians may utilize to place orders and examines the various errors each may be subjected to.
Objective
The purpose of this article is to classify and quantify errors committed when physicians place orders through three different methods: “handwritten orders, preprinted orders, and computerized physician order entry (CPOE) embedded in the electronic health record.” [1]
Methods
Samples of orders placed between 2008 and 2012 were evaluated to obtain the number of mistakes committed, what type of error it was, and which ordering method was utilized to place the order. The resulting data was then examined and “compared using statistical methods.” [1]
Results
These three methods had the following number of overall errors: [1]
- 30.6% for handwritten orders
- 12.6% for pre-printed orders
- 2.2% for CPOE orders
The three methods had the following number of critical errors capable of risking harm to the patient: [1]
- 4.2% for handwritten orders
- 1.5% for pre-printed orders
- 0.1% for CPOE orders
Conclusions
The number of chemotherapy orders which contained errors decreased from handwritten order to preprinted orders, and decreased yet again for CPOE orders. It is important to note while CPOE had the best results in reducing the number of errors it was unable to completely eliminate errors from occurring; and the possibility exists for completely new issues to be introduced. [1]
Comments
This study did a good job to show CPOE, when implemented correctly, can serve to greatly reduce errors when placing orders; and provided a very important advice by pointing out errors were not eliminated all together and advocating vigilance should be taken in regards to carefully testing new methodologies in order to avoid harming patients. [1]
