Leapfrog Group expresses "grave concerns" over meaningful use
The Leapfrog Group has “grave concerns” over the final meaningful use rule because it omits system checks for computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems, the group said in a statement.
Although the Washington, D.C.-based healthcare advocacy organization applauded the federal government for including CPOE as part of the final regulations, it also warned that the regulations do not require hospitals to reassure taxpayers that the technology is safe.
“By including CPOE, the nation has taken a strong step toward advancing the use of this lifesaving technology, which in turn holds promise to save tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars,” read the statement. However, “to demonstrate ‘meaningful use’ of health IT and receive federal money, hospitals are not required to confirm that their system actually works as intended.”
Last month, Leapfrog released the results of a simulation test in which 214 hospitals tested the efficacy of their CPOE systems. The report revealed that about half of all potential medication errors went undetected by the technology. Almost one third of orders tested that might have resulted in fatalities went undetected, the report found. Hospitals that repeated the test after six months did demonstrate improved performance, reinforcing the value of ongoing monitoring as critical to safe practice, the group stated.
“Safety must be at the forefront when implementing technology,” the statement read. “We strongly support adoption of CPOE. Lifesaving technology should be adopted by hospitals immediately and safely, and federal money should pay for no less.”
Although the Washington, D.C.-based healthcare advocacy organization applauded the federal government for including CPOE as part of the final regulations, it also warned that the regulations do not require hospitals to reassure taxpayers that the technology is safe.
“By including CPOE, the nation has taken a strong step toward advancing the use of this lifesaving technology, which in turn holds promise to save tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars,” read the statement. However, “to demonstrate ‘meaningful use’ of health IT and receive federal money, hospitals are not required to confirm that their system actually works as intended.”
Last month, Leapfrog released the results of a simulation test in which 214 hospitals tested the efficacy of their CPOE systems. The report revealed that about half of all potential medication errors went undetected by the technology. Almost one third of orders tested that might have resulted in fatalities went undetected, the report found. Hospitals that repeated the test after six months did demonstrate improved performance, reinforcing the value of ongoing monitoring as critical to safe practice, the group stated.
“Safety must be at the forefront when implementing technology,” the statement read. “We strongly support adoption of CPOE. Lifesaving technology should be adopted by hospitals immediately and safely, and federal money should pay for no less.”