# CPRS Guiding Principles

The Computerized Patient Record System suite of V IST A modules makes the computer an important aid in medical practice. CPRS places major emphasis on consistency and usability of the product.

CPRS uses these guiding principles:

· Mimic traditional order entry processes where necessary to accommodate established clinical practices. Not only is the design of CPRS itself intended to follow hospital work flow patterns, but it also allows local site and individual customization to make it fit specific needs.

· Provide real-time order checking, as well as extended expert system/decision support capabilities that enhance the order entry process. this not only helps ensure more accurate and valid patient information, but also helps prevents duplication and other inefficiencies.

· Integrate all components of the patient record to provide comprehensive and intelligent clinical information access and reporting. CPRS allows multiple use and integration of information, including cutting and pasting among components, boilerplate capabilities, templates, etc., thus decreasing the amount of duplicate entry of data.

· Create a system that is easy to use by improving the user interface to reflect industry standards and principles of usability and user-centered design. The designers and developers received extensive assistance from clerks, clinicians, clinical coordinators and others--throughout the whole development process--in creating CPRS.