Prompt for the day: Web Tool. It came into your work flow this year and now you couldn't live without it. It has simplified or improved your online experience.
Five years ago the Hospital/Clinic where I work made a radical move to what's known in MedSpeak as "CPOE", (Computerized. Provider. Order. Entry). This was a bold step, considerably ahead of the curve (or technology wave) and there was huge angst during the conversion from our traditional method of writing orders on a paper chart to totally "on line" work.
The first week of "go live" CPOE was torture for me. I fought the process tooth and nail (love that expression) until my teeth and nails were worn down to stubs. I cried (real tears of frustration) because nothing I did made any sense and it took me 10 times longer to do my work. Others like me flailed against system with equal vigor but to no avail. WE ARE GOING TO CONVERT to online computer order entry whether it's a popular decision or not was the word from the top. "Live it or leave it" was the mantra, I recall. So; we did IT and several years removed from the turmoil, I'm savvy with the system which still remains clunky and relatively inefficient. However there are long term advantages and all hospitals are moving in this direction. Thank goodness we've gone through the roughest patch of our transition and can (maybe) help our colleagues in other centers to a smoother ride.
There are some real perks to on line ordering that have phased in over time. One in particular caught fire this past year. To wit: an on line prescription faxing service. Fill out a prescription on line for a patient, press a button and whoosh!, off it goes in the automatic fax queue to their local pharmacy or mail order pharmacy. And, it works! It really works. We no longer carry prescription pads in our white coat pockets and scribble indecipherable words that can be misread by the pharmacist. The process is more accurate, safe, and nicely recorded in the medical record. No need to remember that I just filled that prescription for you Mr. P (and you are asking for it again?). I don't think so.
The benefits are many. I'm a convert to this new process. Out with the old, in with the new. Goodbye ye old prescription pad.
LOL. Congrats for making a successful conversion, after all. Isn't it fun recounting where we were and how we are now?
ReplyDeleteThe medical institute we use has been going through this same conversion for what seems like a long time. It seems to be working smoothly now, and you're right about how easy it is to submit a prescription.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying these prompts and your creative posts in response. It's a great way to work your way through December. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Kate.
Well, that's reassuring! I learned something today. Keep it coming. We lay people need to know more about all things going on in the medical world, especially ones that are WORKING!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful holiday... !
Good for you, Kate! Becoming computerized is a huge cultural shift and difficult! It is not easy; it is not always faster-at least when you are on the learning curve. I may have to invite you to Tampa to give Grand Rounds and or lead a pep rally at Moffitt!
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