Key factors of clinicians' acceptance of CPOE system and their link to change management

Abstract

The successful implementation of a Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) system is a challenging process for any healthcare organization. It requires a dramatic change not only to the way the care is provided but also to the way clinicians work. Because of the required change complexity, organizations must consider key factors of clinicians' acceptance to avoid resistance and maximize chances of success. This paper aims to identify the different factors that affect clinicians' acceptance of CPOE systems and their relation to existing change management models. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify barriers and recommendations to the clinicians' acceptance of CPOE systems. Then, a comparative analysis was used to explain the relationship between the discovered factors and change management, with a focus on Kotter's model. The review included 23 articles. A total of 28 barriers and 25 recommendations have been identified. In conclusion, factors of clinicians' acceptance fall into two categories: one related to the used implementation strategy and the other related to how the system was designed. Most of the factors are similar to change management principles. The systematic incorporation of change management principles during CPOE implementation would likely improve clinicians' acceptance of the system.

Keywords: CPOE; acceptance; change management; computerized provider order entry; health information technology; systematic review.