Towards a PropeR combination of patient records and protocols

The combination of a computer-based patient record and a decision-support system (DSS) may give physicians the decisive push they need to accept such systems. In the PropeR-project we determine the requirements for a generic interface between both these systems and evaluate its potential impact on patient care. This article reports results from the first year in one of the domains under study. It also provides background information about the project, including design considerations and experimental approach of forthcoming years.

The objectives of the first year were to determine bottlenecks of the current situation and to determine expected improvements and conditions for implementation of a future situation with computer support.

These topics were investigated in general by literature review and in the local situation by a requirements analysis. For the analysis we used a combination of observation, interviews, and patient record study. For the literature survey we searched for reviews, meta-analyses and original studies concerning experiences with computer-based patient records and DSSs in conventional settings and in integrated care.

Main bottleneck was the poor use of shared patient record and paper guidelines. Expected improvements were better protocol adherence and communication. Conditions for implementation of computer support were a proper system interface and adoption by the user.

Our main conclusion was that the aspect of cooperation needs more decision support than the clinical work itself.