Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

Which of the following are examples of unintended consequences of Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE)?

1. Changes in the power structure

2. Generation of new kinds of errors

3. Increased patient engagement

4. Enhanced communication among staff

The correct answer is: Changes in the power structure

The identification of unintended consequences of Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) must focus on outcomes that were not anticipated or planned for during the implementation of the system. In the context provided, the generation of new kinds of errors represents a significant unintended consequence of CPOE. CPOE systems are designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of order placements, but they can inadvertently introduce new error types, such as misinterpretations of electronic instructions or system errors that could lead to incorrect orders being processed. This complexity and reliance on technology can result in issues that were not prevalent in manual processes, highlighting the fact that technological interventions can sometimes create unforeseen challenges. The other options do not reflect unintended consequences in the same context. Changes in power structure could be part of a strategic redesign but are not inherently negative or unintended; rather, they may reflect conscious decisions during implementation. Increased patient engagement and enhanced communication among staff are typically seen as positive outcomes that organizations strive to achieve through CPOE, rather than unintended side effects.