Question

Identify one element of either the CPOE or CDSS you would improve that could enhance the effectiveness of the system for that elderly patient population

Answer 1

CPOE : Computerised Physician Order Entry / Computer provider order entry

CDSS: Clinical Decision Support System

CPOE : Element, that can improve to support Elderly patient population

Computerised Physician Order Entry or Computer Provider Order Entry is a computerised process by which a medical  professional can enter and send a treatment instruction  and medication order via computer application. Instead of using paper charts, electronically the entries are made, so there will be considerable reduction in the medication or treatment errors due to the ambiguity of handwriting and also it can transmit the orders quickly.

There are several elements associated with the CPOE can improve patients' safety such as safe medication dose range, drug - disease interaction check,  allergy alerts etc. CPOE along with EHR and CDSS are doing a great job to ensure the safety of elderly population, as it can give the information regarding allergies of the client and safe dose range, drug interactions with other drugs etc.

( I would improve )the element in CPOE related to nutrition of the patient : This system provides the information related to drug interactions with certain food items. So the elderly patients can note the restricted food items along with the particular drug and avoid them. CPOE system can provide the details of the food items, the allowed food or certain food items that the elderly should take for maintaining a healthy body. For example Calcium rich food items for the elderly, who have osteomalacia.

CPOE system also can provide the facility for synchronised mobile apps for the elderly population, who are under their care. The apps are helpful to keep the adherence to drug schedule by reminding he elderly about the medicines each time , through alarms. Also these apps can give the details about dose and frequency of drugs so there will not be trouble with frequent forgetfulness of elderly. This method also can improve Elderly patient safety from medication errors.