Summary
Background: We have previously shown that a scan-able paper based interface linked to a computerized
clinical decision support system (CDSS) can effectively screen patients in pediatric
waiting rooms and support the physician using evidence based care guidelines at the
time of clinical encounter. However, the use of scan-able paper based interface has
many inherent limitations including lacking real time communication with the CDSS
and being prone to human and system errors. An electronic tablet based user interface
can not only overcome these limitations, but may also support advanced functionality
for clinical and research use. However, use of such devices for pediatric care is
not well studied in clinical settings.
Objective: In this pilot study, we enhance our pediatric CDSS with an electronic tablet based
user interface and evaluate it for usability as well as for changes in patient questionnaire
completion rates.
Methods: Child Health Improvement through Computers Leveraging Electronic Tablets or CHICLET
is an electronic tablet based user interface. It is developed to augment the existing
scan-able paper interface to our CDSS. For the purposes of this study, we deployed
CHICLET in one outpatient pediatric clinic. Usability factors for CHICLET were evaluated
via caregiver and staff surveys.
Results: When compared to the scan-able paper based interface, we observed an 18% increase
or 30% relative increase in question completion rates using CHICLET. This difference
was statistically significant. Caregivers and staff survey results were positive for
using CHICLET in clinical environment.
Conclusions: Electronic tablets are a viable interface for capturing patient self-report in pediatric
waiting rooms. We further hypothesize that the use of electronic tablet based interfaces
will drive advances in computerized clinical decision support and create opportunities
for patient engagement.
Citation: Anand V, McKee S, Dugan TM, Downs SM. Leveraging electronic tablets for general pediatric
care – a pilot study. Appl Clin Inf 2015; 6: 1–15
http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-09-RA-0071
Keywords
Electronic tablets - clinical decision support system - CDSS - pediatrics - children
- EMR
