User-centred, multidimensional assessment method of Clinical Information Systems: a case-study in anaesthesiology

This paper describes a multi-dimensional assessment method to support the choice and acquisition process for Clinical Information Systems. The method addresses three different dimensions: (1) Quality management, which evaluates the fulfilment of Users Requirements, and the Users' satisfaction with the existing functions; (2) Usability assessment, which includes a Usability inspection, and a Usability test; (3) Performance evaluation, which assesses the exhaustiveness and quality of documentation. The method is illustrated using the case study of a Clinical Information System (CIS) acquisition for anaesthesiology. It proved efficient and promising as a support for the decision process, for enhancing users' involvement in the project, and for initiating the necessary re-engineering of the Human Computer Interface.