The effects of Computerized Provider Order Entry implementation on communication in Intensive Care Units

The literature shows that communication in health care is one of the most important factors associated with quality of care and patients safety. Especially in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) communication is of importance, due to the characteristics of the setting. However, relatively little is known about the different aspects of communication in health care and how Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) implementation may impact communication, and consequently, quality of care. In this study we adapted an existing questionnaire developed by Shortell et al. [11] to examine the impact of CPOE implementation on communication in a repeated cross-sectional design (6 months before implementation, 3 months after implementation and one-year after implementation). Results show overall that CPOE did not have a negative effect on communication, especially in the long term.

► Few studies have examined long term effects of CPOE implementation on communication.
► Few studies have examined what aspects of communication are affected by CPOE.
► CPOE implementation has a short-term, negative effect on communication.
► In the long term the effects revert to the same levels as pre-CPOE implementation.