Selecting clinical computing hardware devices for hospital wards

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstract

Abstract

Introduction: Frameworks to guide decisions in selecting computing hardware devices for hospital wards are largely absent from the literature. This fundamental gap in evidence may pose significant challenges for decision makers and implementers of computing devices. This study takes the first step in contributing to such a framework by ascertaining the factors IT vendors deem important to consider when selecting computing devices for hospital wards.
Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve vendors, from eleven IT companies, who providetechnologies to the Australian and International health sectors. All vendors who were approached agreed to
participate in the study. Interviews were analysed independently by two researchers.
Results: When selecting computing devices vendors perceived it important to consider:
• Technology factors, including: infrastructure capabilities; existing devices; device characteristics; and software applications.
• Workflow factors, including: the user’s role; type of tasks users undertake; level of information users need to access/capture; location where users need to access/capture information; and user preferences.
• Environmental factors, including: the type of ward; space/ward configuration; levels of concurrency (i.e. number of users operating the devices at concurrent times); and clinician buy-in.
Discussion: The complexity of decision making processes in selecting computing devices necessitates a framework to inform such decisions. By examining the technology, workflow and environmental factors, decision makers can more
clearly identify devices to adequately support clinical work practices. These factors are important to ensure that the right device is available to the right person, to support the task they are conducting, in the location that it is needed.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event2011 Annual Research Symposium: Advances in Public Health and Health Services Research - Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Duration: 5 Aug 2011 → …

Conference

Conference2011 Annual Research Symposium: Advances in Public Health and Health Services Research
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period5/08/11 → …

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