Physician Inpatient Order Writing on Microcomputer Workstations

Key Points

• This research aims to assess the effectiveness of microcomputer workstations for inpatient order writing in reducing hospital costs.
• Implemented a network of microcomputer workstations for writing inpatient orders.
• Compared the time requirements of physician order writing between microcomputer systems and traditional paper charts.
• Estimated potential savings based on the efficiency of the new system.
• The use of microcomputer workstations lowered patient charges and hospital costs by over $3 million annually.
• The system, however, required more physician time compared to paper charts.
• Potential nationwide savings could reach tens of billions of dollars.