Research Paper: Computerized Physician Order Entry and Electronic Medical Record Systems in Korean Teaching and General Hospitals: Results of a 2004 Survey

OBJECTIVE To determine the availability of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and electronic medical record (EMR) systems in teaching and general hospitals in the Republic of Korea. DESIGN A combined mail and telephone survey of 283 hospitals. MEASUREMENTS The surveys assessed the availability of CPOE and EMRs in the hospitals, as well as inducement, participation, and saturation regarding CPOE use by physicians. RESULTS A total of 122 (43.1%) hospitals responded to the survey. The complete form of CPOE was available in 98 (80.3%) hospitals. The use of CPOE was mandatory in 92 (86.0%) of the 107 hospitals that responded to the questions regarding the requirement of CPOE use. In 85 (79.4%) of the hospitals in which CPOE was in use, more than 90% of physicians used the system. In addition, physicians entered more than 90% of their total orders through CPOE in 87 (81.3%) hospitals. In contrast, a complete EMR system was available in only 11 (9.0%) of the hospitals. CONCLUSION Of the teaching and general hospitals in the Republic of Korea that responded to the survey, the majority (80.3%) have CPOE systems, and a complete EMR system is available in only 9%.