Evaluation of the Medical Workstation During Kernel Blitz '99

摘要

The primary objective of the present report is to document the test and evaluation (T&E) of the medical workstation (MeWS) that occurred during field-testing exercises carried out during Kernel Blitz (KB) 99, a joint service exercise conducted at Camp Pendleton, California. The MeWS is a functionally configured, network-based workstation equipped with clinical support tools for patient diagnosis and monitoring, interfaced with the patient's clinical record. The evaluation was performed to determine whether the MeWS met the primary objectives of increasing provider satisfaction, increasing productivity and maintaining medical readiness, and increasing clinical capabilities at far forward and remote areas of care. Data were collected via surveys and interviews from participants in each functional area of the forward surgical company (FSC) as laid out for the exercise. Survey ratings indicated that participants were generally satisfied with the MeWS and felt that the system would be effective at increasing productivity and readiness as well as clinical capabilities in a FSC. The majority of users interviewed spoke favorably about the MeWS's clinical capabilities and about their satisfaction with the system. It is recommended that technologies such as medical information and clinical support tools be integrated with FSC business practices.