CPOE DEFINITION OF TERMS

alerts

patient- and context-sensitive warning presented to the ordering provider at the time an order is being entered. Used to inform the provider of a clinical concern relevant to the patient and order being placed.

order checks

Alerts are called “___” in some EHR system

Clinical Reminder

context-sensitive electronic prompt to the provider to perform an intervention or procedure, based on the patient’s specific clinical data as applied to a set of logical conditions.

Computerized Provider Order Entry

Direct entry of medical orders into a healthcare system’s EHR by licensed independent practitioners or other staff with specific ordering privileges, and not by clinical or administrative support staff

Corollary

Orders entered as adjuncts to a primary order, e.g., orders for laboratory tests to monitor effects of a medication order, orders for special diets in preparation for a medical procedure

Downtime

the period of time during which the health- care facility‘s computer system is unavailable and electronic order entry is not possible.

e-latrogenesis

patient harm caused at least in part by the application of health information technology.

Electronic health record

programs designed for use by healthcare systems to elec-tronically place, store, and retrieve clinical orders, results, notes, reports, and other information related to the care of patients

File Architecture

also referred to as the medication masterfile, a compilation of interconnected files and records that contain data elements that compose the medication and clinical information presented for use in an EHR system.

Notification

-a patient- and context-sensitive prompt to the ordering provider, attending physician, primary provider, or care team to alert them of new information (i.e., abnormal lab result) or tasks in need of completion (i.e., unsigned order or note).

Order Menu

listing of orders from which clinicians may select individual orders, organized to support a specific purpose, ordering environment, or type of order.

Order set

group of medication and procedure orders that can be accessed and ordered from a single source in theEHR, to facilitate entry of multiple orders and standardize ordering for a specific purpose. These are analogous to pre-printed paper order forms.

Quick Order

a pre-configured order in which the components (e.g., medication, dose, route, schedule, amount, number of refills, etc) are specified, allowing for faster order entry and limiting opportunities for entry errors. These are sometimes referred to as order sentences and may be maintained and standardized across an institution or created by individuals as personal quick orders, user preferences or preference lists.

Quick Orders

Saves commonly used orders for faster retrieval.

Order Sets

Groups related orders (e.g., medications & lab tests) for patient safety & efficiency.

Order Menus

Organizes Quick Orders & Order Sets for easier navigation.

Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE)

enhances patient safety by eliminating illegible prescriptions, alerting clinicians to drug interactions and allergies, and ensuring appropriate dosing based on patient parameters.

planned (maintenance)

unexpected (system failures, outages)

2 types of downtime