Criteria for the selection of a bedside information system for acute care units

An increasing number of acute care bedside information systems, which automate the patient medical record, are now becoming available. These systems will become an integral part of a clinician's (nurses, physicians, physical therapists, etc.) day. Therefore, the automated system must support the clinician's current documentation process, be highly adaptable to user needs, and provide significant benefits if it is to become accepted by users. It is important that system selectors carefully evaluate each available system to ensure the best purchase. This article defines assessment criteria for the selection of a bedside information system for acute care units. Suggested pre-evaluation tasks for system purchasers are specified. The article provides guidelines and criteria to use when evaluating different bedside systems. These information systems will be major, long-term investments, and an informed and careful selection of a system will ensure a successful selection.