Ask ECRI: Physician Order Entry Versus Verbal Orders

​A member recently inquired about resources supporting the use of physician order entry rather than verbal orders in hospital settings. Our response discusses current practice and recalls previous inquiries from other ECRI members.

Verbal medication orders should be used only in the most emergent situations, whereby written or electronic communication is not feasible or practical. Although verbal orders can save lives during an emergency, relaying orders verbally outside emergent situations can threaten the safety of patients...