Use of online resources while using a clinical information system

Abstract

Background: Clinical information system (CIS) use is likely to evoke information needs, yet information resources use during CIS use has not been studied.

Methods: We used CIS log files and a survey to characterize clinicians' use of resources and infobuttons (context-sensitive links from a CIS to specific resources) while using a CIS.

Results: We examined 38,763 uses of resources and infobuttons by 2,607 users to identify specific sources and contexts (CIS functions) in which they used them. Laboratory results review was the most frequent context and Micromedex was the most popular resource. Differences in resource use were related to context and user type. The survey confirmed that resources and infobuttons were perceived as useful for patient-specific questions while using a CIS.

Conclusions: Understanding context- and user-type-specific information needs can guide the development of infobuttons for use in a CIS.

Figure 1. Examples of WebCIS log files.

The fields separated by the “|” delimiter represent date and time, application, user ID, IP address, patient ID, patient data reference, and activity. In this example, the user was reviewing a specific laboratory result within WebCIS, clicked on the Health Resources link on the WebCIS menu, and then selected resource, Micromedex. Note that the user is not recorded for this third action, but can be inferred from the prior log file record since the Health Resource page was accessed from within WebCIS.

Figure 2

The WebCIS Health Resources Page

Figure 3. The Pharmacy Infobutton.

The screen depicts a WebCIS display of pharmacy orders. The user has selected the infobutton (“i” icon to the right) for the “Captopril Tab 12.5 MG” order. The infobutton window is shown in the lower right, with links to Micromedex that will search for “CAPOTEN” and “Captopril”.