Barcode medication administration: supporting transitions in articulation work.

Articulation work is that which enables coordinated activity among colleagues distributed in time and space. Despite its important role in clinical settings, this work remains largely invisible in process flowcharts. When process-oriented information systems are implemented, the informal, flexible, contingent activities of participants that enable coordinated work are suddenly placed in a new context.

A real-time ventilator management dashboard: toward hardwiring compliance with evidence-based guidelines.

Care of mechanically ventilated patients requires coordination between multiple caregivers, necessitating the availability of accurate and timely information on patient status. Researchers have documented positive effects of several interventions on the rates of developing ventilator associated complications, such as providing regular oral care and elevating the head of the bed. Informatics tools, such as electronic whiteboards, reminders, and alerts have been shown to aid in clinician compliance with guidelines or protocols.