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You spoke, we listened
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Your evaluations of the LastWord Physician Order Entry software have helped us identify the rough spots in the system. Based on your constructive criticism and insightful suggestions, we have worked closely with the LastWord developers to improve the POE software that has been in use in various units at Stanford Hospital & Clinics since last June.
On Feb. 24, we will begin rolling out the first of those improvements. This will be the first in a series of enhancements that will be implemented approximately every two weeks (please keep an eye on the "message of the day" as you log-in to the system for updates on these changes). The upgrades are designed to make the POE system easier to use.
For instance, we initially felt we had kept the number of "pop-up" screens during the order-entry process to a minimum. But members of the house staff have made suggestions that will enable us to further streamline the process. Some changes will be easier to implement than others. The easiest changes are those that involve the look of the screens. These changes can be made on-site in a short amount of time.
"Code" changes in the workings of the software take more time because they must be performed by the software developer, IDX of Seattle. The IDX engineers must be methodical in making these changes to avoid creating new problems as they fix existing ones.
But in order for the POE system to succeed, there must also be changes in our hospital culture and the way in which we do things. For instance, patient record numbers are assigned differently for outpatients and inpatients. This causes difficulties in the POE system when a patient goes from inpatient status to outpatient status. This is an internal policy that is being addressed. Additionally, we are looking for ways to ensure that verbal orders are attributed to the correct physician so that there are no delays in initiating the orders.
Clearly, the POE system has changed the workflow across our entire organization. And while these changes have caused some disruption, we must keep in mind the benefits that it offers. Electronic orders enhance patient safety by reducing the number of errors associated with handwritten orders. They are also available immediately to affected departments (such as pharmacy, physical therapy and dietary counseling), and don't carry the storage costs associated with paper orders.
We believe the POE system is already making this a safer, more efficient hospital environment for our patients.
I don't have the room here to thank each person who has helped us in improving the POE system, but I do want to mention some of the individuals who have gone the extra mile in helping us refine the system. This includes Peter Rudd, professor of general internal medicine; Laura Nicholson, general internal medicine faculty member; Russ Cucina, chief resident in medicine; Jim Bassett, urologist at Palo Alto Medical Foundation; and Andy Newman, a community physician on Welch Road. Additionally, Joanne Burns and John Godon of the hospital's IT applications services have been instrumental in working on the internal issues associated with the POE system. And Russ Peckenpaugh, vice president of IT services, and Rich Rydell, the interim chief information officer, have been extremely helpful - especially in working with the software developers. And again, I wish to thank each of you for your patience during this transition. If you have suggestions for improving the POE system, please e-mail them to me at:
If
you
encounter
difficulties
with the
POE
system,
please call:
Help
Desk
723-3333
IT
hot line
723-4123
