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Summary The aims of this study were (a) to survey and evaluate the impact of information technology applications in High Dependency Environments (HDEs) on organizational, psychological and cost-effectiveness factors, (b) to contribute information and design requirements to the other workpackages in the INFORM Project, and (c) to develop useful evaluation methodologies.

The long-term aim in the INFORM Project is to develop, evaluate and implement a new generation of Information Systems for hospital High Dependency Environments (HDE — Intensive Care Units, Neonatal Units, Burns Units, Operating and Recovery Rooms, and other specialised areas). The distinguishing feature of the HDE is the very large amount of data that is collected through monitors and paper records about the state of critically ill patients; this has made the role of the staff a technical one in addition to a caring one. The INFORM System will integrate Decision Support with on-line, off-line and observed patient data and, in addition, will incorporate and integrate unit management features.

Abstract: Current literature on the computerisation of Intensive Care Units indicates that many human factor considerations are relevant to the design and introduction of computer systems and to the evaluation of such systems within this environment. This paper aims to review and summarise essential points from the literature.

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess the perceived utility of a computerised information system in an intensive care unit (ICU). Questionnaires were devised in which ICU staff indicated the ease or difficulty of obtaining and recording information (a) under the previous manual system, (b) soon after the introduction of the computerised system and (c) two months after computerisation. Results indicated the system was well received immediately and this favourable attitude persisted unchanged after two months experience. The questionnaire method also served to pinpoint some particular interface problems which are to be remedied in future versions of the system.