Usability evaluation of the computerized physician order entry system: A study in a developing country

Abstract Background Electronic prescribing is one of the most important processes with vital functions in the health system of any country. Electronic prescription is one of the best solutions to overcome many problems of the paper (manual) prescription process, such as writing errors. In this study, our purpose was to evaluate the Iranian computerized physician order entry system (CPOE). Method This is a cross-sectional research using a case study method that was conducted in 2023. The statistical population included two groups of physicians and users of outpatient units who were working in three hospitals (Shahid Beheshti, Akhwan, and Matini) under the supervision of Kashan University of Medical Sciences. For user interaction satisfaction the Iranian CPOE system was used from the QUIS Questionnaire. Also, to get a general idea of users' subjective evaluations of the Iranian CPOE system, the System Usability Scale questionnaire (SUS) was used. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (average and standard deviation), analytical (Independent-sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA), and calculation formula of the SUS questionnaire through SPSS software. Result According to the results obtained from the participants through the QUIS questionnaire, the overall user satisfaction range of the Iranian CPOE system from the physician's point of view was 4.65 out of 9 and from the outpatient unit user's point of view was 5.73 out of 9. Also, based on the results obtained from the participants through the SUS questionnaire, the overall usability score of the computerized physician order entry system was 72 out of 100 from the view of physicians and 76 out of 100 from according to outpatient unit users. Conclusion Iran's CPOE system is almost good in overall reactions due to being easy to use and learn, having control level, being stimulating, and being flexible to the needs of users. Also, the SUS questionnaire showed that the computerized physician order entry system was at a good level. Of course, at first glance and according to overall reactions, QUIS questionnaire and scores obtained from the SUS questionnaire Iran CPOE system can be evaluated as good, but they are still lacking and this shows that this Iranian CPOE system can be more competent. Therefore, it is recommended that in updating future versions of the Iranian CPOE system, authorities should pay attention to the demands and needs of its users and use aesthetic elements in design and development according to the principles of human-computer interaction.