Recommendations for Monitoring and Evaluation of In-Patient Computer-based Provider Order Entry Systems: Results of a Delphi Survey

A survey of 20 clinical informaticists with experience in implementing Computer-based Provider Order Entry (CPOE) systems revealed the lack of easily accessible measurements of success. Using a Delphi approach, the authors, together with a group of CPOE experts, selected eight key CPOE-related measures to assess system availability, use, benefits, and e-Iatrogenesis. We suggest collecting these measures on a widespread/national basis would be wise stewardship and result in tighter feedback about both clinician workflow and patient safety. Establishing reliable benchmarks against which new implementations and existing systems can be compared will enhance organizations' ability to effectively manage and hence to realize the full benefits of their CPOE implementations.