CRNA performance using a handheld, computerized, decision-making aid during critical events in a simulated environment: a methodologic inquiry.

Directives to improve patient outcomes and enhance safety within the healthcare system have led to development of technologies to assist practitioners in a variety of activities. The purpose of this study was to explore and evaluate a method for examining the effect of computer-assisted decision making (CADM) using a handheld device on the accuracy (ie, correct diagnosis and treatment) and speed of problem solving by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) during simulated critical patient-care events. A randomized crossover design with matched-pair sampling was used.