The usability of information technology within emergency care settings

Computer and communication technology is increasingly being used by health care professionals to perform a variety of activities. The increased use of technology within health care environments is predicated on the belief that technology will facilitate care management and improvement of the quality of health care. However, to date there has been little systematic evaluation of the impact of technology on health care delivery. The intent of the project described in this paper is to conduct a usability evaluation for a physician orders and patient charting software, which is part of an integrated Hospital Information System (HIS). The system is being implemented at a trauma care facility in a large metropolitan area.