"That resulted in errors and on average several incidents every month, he said. "Now we [have] sharply cut the number of errors when staffers can scan those 2D barcodes on patients' wristbands to view on computers what needs to be done for them."

With additional storage and higher quality monitors, now HA clinicians can access and view patient records and medical images like X-ray records on computers. "This helps doctors come up with more accurate diagnoses and treatments," said Cheung.

Hospitals' electronic patient records on the CMS help the HA quickly identify affected patients whenever manufacturers report problematic drugs. Doctors can also input prescriptions directly into the CMS without the need for handwritten or repetitive prescriptions for regular patients each time they visit.

In addition, the CMS--together with electronic patient records and a telephony system--enables the HA to take care of outpatients through its community health call center.