Method for Minimizing Entry of Medically Similar Orders in a Computerized Medical Records System

摘要

An electronic medical records system with computerized provider order entry includes error checking for duplicate or medically similar orders. In the system, similar medical orders are displayed on adjacent screens and are highlighted, thereby allowing medical personnel to easily identify and evaluate the orders. The user can therefore choose to modify or delete medically similar entries easily and quickly, thereby minimizing the occurrence of duplicate or repetitive orders, and increasing efficiency of the system.

主权项

1. A medical records computer system, the system comprising:
a processor; a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing a patient database comprising at least one existing medical order initiated for a selected patient; a user interface device coupled to the processor; and a display communicatively coupled to the processor and the memory, the display including an existing order portion displaying at least one existing medical order, and a new order portion adjacent the existing order portion for displaying a new medical order entered by medical personnel, the processor being programmed to:
receive a new medical order entered through the user interface device and display the new medical order on the new order portion;compare the new medical order to the existing medical orders in the patient database to determine whether the existing medical order is medically similar to the new medical order; and highlight at least one of the existing medical order and the new medical order on the display when the existing medical order is medically similar to the new medical order, wherein a medical practitioner entering the new order is provided with a notification to prevent the entry of a medically similar order.