Clinical Information Systems: the Need for a More User - Friendly Human – Computer Interface

The introduction of a Clinical Information System (CIS) in a regional state hospital in Greece brought up a number of critical factors that affect the successful application of such systems. The major obstacle was identified to be the medical professional's refusal to use the system. As a way t o overcome this obstacle the interest was focused on improving the system's Human Computer Interface (HCI). A number of technologies have been considered and examined such as Speech Recognition Systems, use of Palm Top Computers, and Bar Coding Systems. The productive use of the CIS was based on the usage of regular computer terminals (keyboard and mouse) proved that the clinical personnel do not accept the offered ergonomic solution. Without the application of improved HCI with state of the art technologies, the productive use of CIS seems rather difficult.