New user interfaces

Usability of a computer-based information system has three components: user-friendliness, acceptance and user-competence. These are important considerations in human-computer interface designs. So far, visual/manual interface techniques have dominated data-capture activities in hospital settings. Despite the improvements made in these areas, usability issues still remain over the use of such I/O devices like the computer keyboard, touch-sensitive screens, light pen and bar codes. This paper will examine two of the newer user interfaces that have emerged in recent years which can potentially improve computer usability in the healthcare setting. These are voice and pen technologies. Speech as a medium for communicating with computers has several advantages. It gives users freedom of movement away from a computer terminal. It further allows users to enter or receive data while engaged in other activities. For example, a doctor can simultaneously examine a patient and record his findings using voice input. The use of pen technology also liberates the physician and other healthcare workers from the keyboard and monitor. It gives them mobility, facilitates eye contact with patients and most importantly, allows them to tap the newest of computer hardware and software technology with the oldest of communication tools--the pen. Healthcare facilities are beginning to explore the use of these two technologies to improve on user-acceptance and user-competence. Some examples of their successful applications will be given.