Intelligent Data Acquisition in Order Entry Programs

The acceptance of data processing systems in a hospital environment is mainly based on the ease of use and flexibility of data entry programs. Physicians' demands on clinical information systems focus on humanlike interactive features which can enhance their patient management capabilities and do not force them to adapt to a computer system. This paper presents a concept which goes beyond the limits of freetext data entry systems or menu-based systems. We present strategies, but also problems arising with the implementation of intelligent data acquisition modules in clinical order entry programs.