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.
“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. We suspect that the risk of medication errors will be significantly reduced.”
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.