What determines the when and where an order is carried out in the system?

The phase of care plays a crucial role in determining when and where an order is carried out in a healthcare setting. Each phase of care—such as pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative—has specific protocols and workflows that dictate the timing and location of patient care activities. For example, certain orders might need to be completed before a patient can undergo surgery (pre-operative), while others will be relevant during the surgical procedure itself (intra-operative) or in recovery (post-operative).

In contrast, while factors like a patient's age, type of surgery, and physician's preference can influence the care provided, they do not have the systematic impact on the timing and location of order execution as the designated phase of care does. The structured approach of categorizing care into phases ensures that all necessary steps are taken at the appropriate times to optimize patient outcomes and maintain safety in the healthcare environment.