Development, implementation and a first evaluation of a protocol processing system (ProtoVIEW)

In this contribution the protocol information system ProtoVIEW is presented. The system provides the necessary information to physicians about diagnostic procedures and therapies. It is implemented as a stand alone system. The design criteria are discussed and the results of a first evaluation presented. It appears that interns can easily find the required information with the help of the system. The time that they need for accessing the relevant information is relatively short (about 1 min). The users expressed the opinion that the system is easy to use and does support them in the management of their patients. On the basis of this evaluation and evaluations reported elsewhere it is concluded (a) that stand-alone protocol systems can support daily patient management in a positive way and (b) that the design criteria for a protocol information system as presented in this paper are useful for prospective protocol information system developers.