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On October 7, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) went on-line with a computerized order entry system. The NICU order entry system is the first web-based version to be introduced at BWH, providing a preview of Next Generation order entry systems to come throughout the hospital.
“Web-based applications are not only easier to support, they allow us to make changes without having to re-launch the entire system,” said Lynn Sanville, IS project manager, NICU order entry. “We are currently in the early planning stages of Next Generation order entry hospital-wide, which we hope to accomplish in the next few years.”
“Order entry is really a pivotal new technology for the NICU,” said Steven Ringer, MD, PhD, director, Newborn Medicine, who explained that NICU patients are among the highest in volume and in need. “As many medications are prescribed based on gestational age and weight, the opportunity and risk for error is greatly increased.”
The NICU plans to gauge the effectiveness of the new system through the evaluation of data collected both before and after the implementation of order entry.
“We suspect that the risk of medication errors will be significantly reduced,” said Ringer. “While order entry has required a significant investment in time and energy, the outcome we anticipate will certainly be worth it.”
The NICU is also participating in a wireless pilot program in which clinicians utilize laptop computers during patient rounds. Clinicians are able to bring the laptops from crib-side to crib-side, inputting orders on-site as they assess patient needs.
“The wireless component has really hit the ground running,” said Ringer. “We weren’t really sure how the laptops would translate into the NICU setting, but now find ourselves dependent on them after only three weeks.”
“Wireless is here to stay,” added Sanville. “The Wireless team in the IS department is already hard at work outlining future wireless plans for the hospital overall.”
IS continues to work closely with the NICU to iron out any glitches and to amend the order entry system to make it as user-friendly and effective as possible moving forward.