Healthcare provider workflows for documenting and tracking patients, hitherto predominantly manual and paper-based, have recently become significantly computerized. Computerization has made the storage, processing and retrieval of information easier. However, it has increased the potential for errors, impacted direct patient care, and burdened providers with documentation. This paper describes a study to understand information use among providers in intensive care units, and inpatient and outpatient units. Findings on the extent of provider time spent on computer use and impact on direct patient care are described.
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