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Definition[]

Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) refers to

any system in which clinicians directly enter medication orders (and, increasingly, tests and procedures) into a computer system, which then transmits the order directly to the pharmacy. These systems have become increasingly common in the inpatient setting as a strategy to reduce medication errors. A CPOE system, at a minimum, ensures standardized, legible, and complete orders and thus has the potential to greatly reduce errors at the ordering and transcribing stages.[1]

Overview[]

CPOE systems are generally paired with some type of Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS).

References[]

  1. AHRQ Patient Safety Network, Computerized Provider Order Entry (full-text).