The classification of clinicians' information needs while using a clinical information system.
BACKGROUND
Information needs are prevalent in clinical practice. They represent a potential source of medical errors. This study seeks to empirically determine the information needs of clinicians while using a clinical information system (CIS), and characterize those needs. In addition this paper will provide the framework necessary for the development of the solutions to these information needs.


METHODS
Clinicians were observed while using a CIS. They were recorded on audiotape and the computer screen recorded on videotape. The types of question during these interactions were recorded. A classification of the questions provided the conceptual and architectural basis for the development of context-sensitive links to information resources, called infobuttons.


RESULTS
There were 154 information needs. The questions were grouped into seven categories. Within these categories we were able to identify eleven specific repeated question patterns, accounting for 72 or 47% of users' questions.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings are applicable to a number of settings and can be generalized to other institutions. The proposed infobuttons based on six categories, will be navigational ('how-to.' links), cross-reference ('what is the em leader ' links), domain knowledge buttons in the areas of laboratory, pharmacy, diagnosis, and definitions/general information. Using these groups we were able to identity eleven patterns of questions.
Allen
Mureen
M
Department of Medical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
Currie
Leanne M
LM
Graham
Mark
M
Bakken
Suzanne
S
Patel
Vimla L
VL
Cimino
James J
JJ
D015510:Clinical Medicine; D016206:Databases, Bibliographic; D006751:Hospital Information Systems; D019451:Information Management; D007255:Information Services; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010820:Physicians