TAMC improves electronic health records system
PRESQUE ISLE — The Aroostook Medical Center (TAMC) is installing a critical piece of the electronic health record puzzle this month with the implementation of Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE).
CPOE went live on Sept. 13 and is a milestone in a multi-year project called eQuest, which is an EMHS initiative to further advance patient quality of care and safety. One of the major goals is to provide a completely electronic health records system for all patients. As a member of EMHS, TAMC is able to ensure the highest quality care available to Aroostook County residents.
With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, hospitals are required to demonstrate that they are using a certified electronic health record. Using an electronic health record is only part of the picture; hospitals must also show that they are using it in meaningful ways. This “meaningful use” requirement includes things like using CPOE to submit health information such as medication orders, maintaining active medication and medication allergy lists, and sharing certain clinical information with providers and other authorized parties electronically.
“CPOE is a process, supported by the President of the United States and the secretary of Health and Human Services as the right step to ensure the use of ‘Best Practice’ and patient safety,” said Dr. Roger Pelli, MD, TAMC chief medical information officer. “This process is being implemented in hospitals throughout this country to comply with this national goal because it is the right thing to do for our patients.”
Patients benefit from CPOE in a number of ways. Benefits for patients include fewer medications errors, the ability for patients to have an electronic copy of their medical records and better patient education during discharge.
Another benefit is that healthcare providers have easier access to vital patient medical records; this is particularly beneficial during those times when a patient may be unconscious and unable to communicate. The caregivers will have access to the most up-to-date patient information needed to diagnose and treat each patient. Electronic medical records eliminate the need for handwritten information and can be sent instantaneously to other caregivers authorized to view information in case a transfer is needed to another health care facility, such as Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.
TAMC will continue to publicly announce these developments as they occur. These changes help position the organization to be ahead of the curve in meeting new federal safety standards.
