Implementation of electronic chemotherapy ordering: an opportunity to improve evidence-based oncology care.

Purpose: The degree to which electronic health records (EHRs) enhance the quality of patient care depends on use of the system to monitor and improve practice. In planning the transition to Epic's Beacon electronic chemotherapy ordering platform, we saw an opportunity to measure our performance and increase evidence-based practice.

Methods: Advanced planning began 2 years before implementation and included formation of a chemotherapy council charged with reviewing references and approving each chemotherapy protocol; a readiness assessment; design of electronic flow-sheet adherent with Oncology Nursing Society guidelines.