Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE)

 A Metro Alliance task force has started a project to understand and improve integration of computer provider order entry (CPOE) into provider workflow.  

Team Members: 

• Emily Downing, MD: Medical Director of Allina Health SeniorCare Transitions
• Marissa Szody, MHA-Quality and Performance Improvement Manager for Allina HomeCare Services
• John Mielke, Medical Director of Presbyterian Homes
• Veronica Polinske, Corporate Technology Resource Nurse of Presbyterian Homes

At the June, 2018 meeting, we continued the discussion of the pilots. 
Below is a link to a webinar recording.
Standardizing Provider Order Work Flow

Lake Superior Quality Innovation Network presents a long-term care quality improvement webinar. In an effort to standardize systems that will eventually support Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE), a team representing a several nursing homes in Minnesota created a standardized physician order work flow. In this webinar, you will learn how this standardized workflow is being used to improve resident safety and save time and effort for the prescribers and the care facilities. Speakers: Emily Downing, MD, John Mielke, MD, CMD, Tammy Marik, RN, Veronica Polinske, RN.

     At the December 2017 meeting we looked at the standardization of an order form needed to start COPE. This is the paper version  order form 2018.   Click to view the  Provider Order Work Flow Process. Please view and comment. 

Current Goals

• Improve order transcription expectations, time, and reduce number of order clarifications (Improve first pass quality)
• Improve timely implementation of changes to care plans
• Reduce provider variation in order writing across care facilities for the benefit of both providers and facilities

What is this process trying to solve?

1)      Quality control / Training / Education for order writing and processing:

a.      No standard form, location, or urgency coding system for order processing

b.      Provider orders often missing key required elements with orders

c.      No standard provider education for order writing in SNF environment

2)      Order Process Not Standardized

a.      Providers work in multiple facilities

b.      Standards around processes are highly variable facility to facility and unit to unit

3)      Paper Chart not accessible:

a.      Multiple people need simultaneous access to chart information

b.      Chart requires multiple functions and location of chart may limit timely order transcription


Point Click care updated the Practitioner Engagement mobile application Spring 2018. Providers now have the ability sign telephone and verbal orders (with the exception of controlled substances) using one signature. Meaning providers can review all the telephone and verbal orders that are assigned to them without having to go to each resident. Click on the link below to see step by step instructions. 
Point Click Care Quick Guide to Practitioner Engagement