Computerized Physician Order Entry, Coursework Example

Introduction

Decision mapping offers an important method of identifying a specific clinical framework to advance the process and improve potential outcomes. This process encompasses a series of steps that are used to determine how to move through a process and make an effective decision. For example, a basic decision map in regards to managing medical errors might be described as follows:

Analysis

This simple decision map may serve as a basis for examining the different areas that require further analysis in determining why medication errors occur and how to reduce the incidence of this problem. Medication decision-making requires clinical decision support in order to determine how to best manage a complex practice that requires the utmost accuracy and detail at all times (Phansalkar et.al, 2011). This practice may also have a positive impact on medication-related documentation and the minimization of errors to alleviate patient risks (Galanter et.al, 2010). In this capacity, clinical decision support systems may provide a positive framework for improving performance and supporting patient care quality (Jaspers et.al, 2011). Although there is a risk of error in this capacity, it nonetheless creates opportunities to advance the practice environment in a favorable manner that may lead to a reduction in medication errors over time (Nanji et.al, 2011).

Conclusion

In the modern era, patient care outcomes are dependent on technology as a means of improving quality of care and overall performance. Decision mapping and clinical decision support systems recognize these factors and aim to determine how to best approach complex problems that directly impact patients, such as medication administration in order to minimize patient risk as best as possible.

References

Galanter, W. L., Hier, D. B., Jao, C., & Sarne, D. (2010). Computerized physician order entry of medications and clinical decision support can improve problem list documentation compliance. International journal of medical informatics, 79(5), 332-338.

Jaspers, M. W., Smeulers, M., Vermeulen, H., & Peute, L. W. (2011). Effects of clinical decision-support systems on practitioner performance and patient outcomes: a synthesis of high-quality systematic review findings. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 18(3), 327-334.

Nanji, K. C., Rothschild, J. M., Salzberg, C., Keohane, C. A., Zigmont, K., Devita, J., … & Poon, G. (2011). Errors associated with outpatient computerized prescribing systems. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, amiajnl-2011.

Phansalkar, S., Wright, A., Kuperman, G. J., Vaida, A. J., Bobb, A. M., Jenders, R. A., … & Bates, D. W. (2011). Towards meaningful medication-related clinical decision support: recommendations for an initial implementation. Appl Clin Inform, 2(1), 50-62.