Implementation of computerized physician order entry for chemotherapy: A Latin American experience

Purpose We describe the implementation process of a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) for outpatient chemotherapy at a Latin American hospital, with the intent of providing other institutions with general guidance and insight through our experience. Methods In 2012, under the direction of the Department of Medicine of the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, a multidisciplinary team composed of oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, and informatics engineers was formed to develop software for a CPOE for chemotherapy within a preexistent homegrown electronic medical record system in various phases. This included mapping and redesigning processes in an entirely electronic format, integrating the needs of the user for the development of electronic order sets, developing a checkpoint and a warning system to minimize prescription errors, and finally, training all the staff in implementation of the system. Results A CPOE for outpatient chemotherapy was successfully implemented in 2016. We have successfully standardized 266 chemotherapy orders, including for both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, on the basis of appropriate guidelines. The software is linked to laboratory results and allows entry of important details for the patient's safety, such as anthropometric information for an automatic dose calculation and ranges for safe prescription. In addition, it is linked to the nursing plan sheets. Finally, it is possible to assess and continuously monitor the complex process of chemotherapy prescription. Conclusion This is the first report of implementation of a CPOE for chemotherapy in our region. The system was designed by a multidisciplinary team with its own resources. Our experience demonstrates the feasibility of computerizing the chemotherapy prescription process, constituting a tangible example for other institutions with potential impact on patient care.