CPOE systems: success factors and implementation issues.

The medication error dilemma has come to the forefront of most hospitals' improvement agendas. The most often cited solution to the problem has been computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems. These systems have significant potential to improve errors associated with illegibility as well as inappropriate drug use and dosing. On the other hand, CPOE system implementation is fraught with barriers that impede acceptance and use of these systems. Knowing what strategies have proven successful and what upfront analysis is required can help increase the chances of success and ultimately improve the quality of patient care.