Towards Implementation of Successful Medical Computer Applications

Abstract

As the price/performance ratio of computers keeps going down, their use is becoming feasible for more and more medical applications. An important factor contributing to the success of such applictions is the care and time spent in the analysis, design, development, implementation and operation phases. Although much literature is available on the actual programming aspects such as structured programming or top-down design techniques for large computer applications, little is said about the human and other factors that should be taken into account to ensure an end product that not only functions correctly but is readily acceptable to those who must use it. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to present some of the problems that are more frequently encountered in medical computer applications and to focus attention to those items that should be carefully considered as the application evolves from the analysis and design phases to the operational phase. Some suggestions of overcoming these problems are also presented.

User Satisfaction with COSTAR V

“…However If.. problems (in applying computers in the area of patient care) include failure to adequately ... communicate with the end users, involve them more in the design process and evaluate the impact of the computer application on their environment." (12) Zimmerman and Rector, in a recently published book, discuss human engineering problems in medical computer applications, contend that new systems engender natural opposition, and suggest that introduction of a system should be preceded by discussions with users. (13) Similarly, Giebink and Hurst reviewed 29 medical computer application projects and reported that "highly supportive physicians have generally been those who participated actively in the development of the system by working directly with the developers or actually leading the project."…”