Clinician satisfaction with computer decision support in the intensive care unit

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Intensive Care Medicine
• Health Systems Research

Background:

• Computer decision support systems (DSSs) are increasingly used in healthcare.
• Evidence suggests DSSs can improve patient outcomes.
• User satisfaction is crucial for the effective implementation of healthcare technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess baseline user satisfaction with two specific DSSs in a burn intensive care unit (ICU).
• To identify factors influencing user satisfaction with DSS technology in a critical care setting.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 82 staff members in a 16-bed burn ICU.
• An anonymous, written questionnaire was used to collect data on user satisfaction.
• The survey focused on a glycemic management DSS and a fluid resuscitation DSS.

Main Results:

• Staff expressed low baseline satisfaction with the evaluated DSSs.
• Users were not convinced of a direct positive correlation between DSS use and improved patient outcomes.
• Key areas for improvement identified were the DSS interface, information provided, and communication functionalities.

Conclusions:

• User satisfaction with DSSs in burn ICUs is currently suboptimal.
• Enhancing DSS interface, information delivery, and communication features may improve user acceptance.
• Further research is needed to bridge the perceived gap between DSS technology and demonstrable patient outcome improvements.