Patent ID: 7454360

Claim:
An order evaluation system comprising: a network; a datastore accessible to a remote command center via the network, wherein the datastore comprises assessment data elements indicative of medical conditions associated with geographically dispersed patients; a decision support system at the remote command center, wherein the decision support system is connected to the network, wherein the decision support system comprises an order checking module, and wherein the order checking module comprises instructions for: receiving an order associated with a patient; evaluating the order using a first set of selected assessment data elements associated with the patient; challenging the order if the order is contraindicated by the first set of selected assessment data elements; and sending the order to an order writing module if the order is indicated by the first set of selected assessment data elements; a rules generator connect to the network, wherein the rules generator comprises instructions for establishing a patient-specific rule for the patient consistent with the order; and a rules engine at the remote command center, wherein the rules engine is connected to the network and comprises instructions for: applying the patient-specific rule continuously to a second set of selected assessment data elements associated with the patient; determining in an automated fashion 24 hours per day 7 days per week whether the patient-specific rule for the patient has been contravened; and issuing an alert if the patient-specific rule for the patient has been contravened.