A protocol-centric approach to healthcare information technology

The protocol-centric approach brings knowledge-based decision support and best practices to the healthcare enterprise. This new paradigm seamlessly links a complex array of processes into a logical flow, allowing the organization to become extremely efficient. Care delivery flows from the protocol as orders are initiated based upon it, and documentation is performed by exception. Since today´s knowledge and tomorrow´s wisdom is built from yesterday´s documentation, the ability to look at problems and the associated outcomes promotes understanding and ultimately improves quality. Improved communication of patient status and coordination of the care among the healthcare team involved, and real-time monitoring and compliance with both the research and the care process while it is occurring are natural by-products of the protocol-centric approach