Criteria for clinical information technology device selection: what do nurse executives need to know?

Hospital and healthcare's "most wired" organizations were surveyed to determine the evaluative criteria in the selection of bedside devices for clinical documentation. Ranked results of the characteristics are presented. Results can be used to inform nurse executives about selection criteria to consider.

Point-of-care technology supports bedside documentation.

As the conversion to an electronic health record intensifies, the question of which data-entry device works best in what environment and situation is paramount. Specifically, what is the best mix of equipment to purchase and install on clinical units based on staff preferences and budget constraints? The authors discuss their evaluation of stationary personal computers, workshops on wheels, and handheld tablets related to timeliness of data entry and their use of focus groups to ascertain the pros/cons of data-entry devices and staff preferences. An assessment of the implications for costs related to the timeliness of data entry is also presented.

How to select end user clinical data entry devices. Rush University Medical Center develops tool to identify the quantity of devices needed for the implementation of a new EMR and CPOE system.

Selecting the right types and quantities of computers to support data entry to an inpatient Electronic Medical Record (EMR) can be challenging. In addition to software and hardware considerations, many other variables affect the decision including staffing levels, hospital workflows, and floor plans. Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) developed a tool to help identify the quantity of devices needed in a Patient Care Unit (PCU).