Design considerations for intelligent data entry: development of MedIO

Capturing clinical data is a multi-faceted problem. This paper discusses clinical data entry problems encountered during the development of an intelligent clinical data entry system. Based on a review of the problems, recommendations are made for an approach to the design of clinical data entry programs. These recommendations include a discussion of key components in the design process as illustrated by the development of MedIO, a C++ computer program for the entry of history and physical exam information.