Return on investment for a computerized physician order entry system.
Implementation of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) continues to stimulate national interest despite the costs associated with its adoption. This study estimated a cumulative net savings of nearly $17 million over a 10-year period after CPOE use. Investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston discovered that the most financially beneficial aspect of CPOE involved the level and type of clinical decision support available. For instance, the capacity to provide renal drug dosing, specific drug guidance, and mechanisms for prevention of adverse events all served as important contributors to the estimated savings. The authors argue a business case for CPOE adoption exists both for financial reasons and for patient safety. A past commentary discussed the benefits, costs, and issues related to CPOE for organizations considering implementation.