CPOE reduces pharmacy order processing time by 97%

http://www.ajhp.org/cgi/content/full/66/15/1394

An interesting piece in this month’s AJHP.  The order processing time was reduced from 115 minutes pre CPOE to 3 minutes post CPOE.  This is a very striking delta, and as discussed in the article it reinforces the justification for 100% pharmacist order review with no “override meds” in automated dispensing cabinets. 

It was not completely clear whether or not completion of order verification by the pharmacist was included, but this has taken the greatest amount of pharmacist attention in past experiences.  Physicians are not typically interested in the solution or volume in which medication is administered, so pharmacists end up making lots of “compatibility” changes in verification.  CPOE is implemented in many different ways, some are more geared towards “every product the pharmacy carries”, while others try to mimic what physicians write on paper orders.  This pharmacist happens feels the latter leads to a more effective and successful implementation.  Trying to compromise by using premade medications as defaults for commonly prescribed doses can help a great deal, especially if automated dispensing cabinets are highly utilized.  In this scenario, the physician orders the way they want, the pharmacist has a quick verification with no dramatic changes, and the nurse has the medication available to pull from the automated dispensing cabinet in, well 3 minutes.  It is great to reduce the order processing time, but even better to get the medication to the patient in a timely manner.