Implementation of computerized provider order entry in the emergency department: impact on ordering patterns in patients with chest pain.

The impact of implementing a Computerized Provider Order Entry System on ordering patterns is unknown. This study evaluated ordering patterns for CBC, ECG, chest x-ray, BMP, and cardiac enzymes in randomly selected chest pain patients in an adult Emergency Department pre- and post-implementation. The average number of orders documented was significantly higher after implementation for ECG and chest x-ray, but not for the other exams. Order completion times did not change.