The MEDIGATE System for Direct Entry of Physical Findings by the Examiner User Interface Issues

The MEDIGATE System (Medical Examination Direct Iconic and Graphic Augmented Text Entry System) is a computer enhanced interactive graphic and textual record of the findings from physical examination designed to provide ease of user input and to support organization and processing of the data characterizing these findings. The system described here mimics a program implemented on PLATO graphical display system fifteen year ago and, in addition, utilizes some of the advanced graphic and interface design features that are provided by modern workstations; these include multiple re-sizeable windows, improved graphics, menus, color graphics, and icons, flexible input devices, higher resolution and object-oriented interfaces. This presentation will outline the design and performance off the system now implemented using SuperCard(tm) on the Macintosh platform, and will highlight some of the nuances involved in mixed initiative system design for this professional environment.