Implementing computerized physician order management at a community hospital

Abstract

Background: In 2000, four community hospitals in the Cleveland Clinic Health System embarked on an electronic medical record (EMR) project to create an integrated information management environment and improve clinical decision making.

Methods: Executives and individuals from many departments and disciplines were organized into a project structure to launch the project, make decisions, and accomplish change management, which addressed communication, work-flow redesign, training, and support during transition to the new technology-enabled process.

Project: In 1999, a small group of regional information technology (IT) leaders for four community hospitals operated by the Cleveland Clinic Health System in the East Region developed a project for the implementation of computerized physician order management (CPOM).

Results: Huron Hospital, the first hospital selected for implementation, met its goals for a successful transition. After two pilots, implementation occurred on schedule and with a noticeable lack of major issues, both during rollout and thereafter. In addition, physician direct entry of orders reached the first-year goal of 40% physician entry in the first month and 75% within a year.

Conclusions: Ensuring success required a systematic approach to the foundations of change management--work-flow redesign, communication, training, and support--during the transition.