核医学検査におけるオーダエントリシステムの現状調査  [in Japanese] Survey of the Current State of Order-entry Systems in the Nuclear Medicine Field  [in Japanese]

Background and Objectives: In the "Grand Design for Computerization of the Medical Field" of December, 2001, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare set a numerical target for the adoption of electronic medical charts nationwide in at least 60% hospitals with 400 or more beds. Therefore, the introduction and operation of an order-entry system, which is necessary for establishing electronic medical charts, became essential for each of these medical facilities. We surveyed the current state of order-entry systems for nuclear medicine, which are considered difficult to introduce owing to the particulars of their operation, and herewith report the results. Methods: Questionnaires with a request for cooperation were sent by mail to 119 facilities nationwide that are engaged in nuclear medicine. The questionnaire surveyed 21 items, including operational status and restrictions of the order-entry system. Results: The absolutely essential restriction settings for the introduction and operation of an order-entry system were not being used, and the scheduling of tests was being conducted on the basis of human judgment. Conclusion: The development of an order-entry system that includes standardization of basic specifications (restrictions) according to the content and work are necessary for nuclear scans, for which the introduction and operation of an order-entry system can cause concern owing to the particulars of operation in the field of radiation.