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Show 57 college of nursing Background: In healthcare, timely and accurate data interpretation is a factor in effective clinical deci-sion making. We developed a new computer display based on graphical representation concepts, such as pattern recognition and trending, to aide in the decision-making process. The display was designed using an iterative process with feedback from clinicians. Objective: To evaluate the effects of the inte-grated graphical display on nurse comprehension of a patient's physiological state. Methods: A con-trol- group study was conducted to compare the graphical display versus a traditional digital monitor-ing display. After receiving training on both displays, 16 nurses with less than three years experience were presented with two simulated patient scenarios. Participants completed one scenario with the graphical display and one with the digital display, the order of which was randomly assigned. Six times during the scenario nurses were asked to interpret and communicate information to a mock-physician. Level of nurse comprehension was assessed using a rating tool that measured the quantity and ac-curacy of critical information communicated to the physician. Following testing, nurses completed a series of subjective questions rated on a 7-point Likert scale. Results: Nurses scored significantly better when using the graphical display (scenario 1: t=2.8, p=.022; scenario 2: t=2.2, p=.045). Nurses rated the graphical display significantly higher than the display that they were currently using in the areas of functionality, usability, intuitiveness, and the degree to which it supported decision making (p<.015). Nurses reported that the graphical display helped them see the relationship between medications and physiological variables (p<.001). Implications: The integrated graphical display improved nurse comprehension of a patient's physiological state and therefore may lead to improved clinical decision making. EFFECT OF AN INTEGRATED GRAPHICAL DISPLAY ON NURSE-PHYSICIAN COMMUNICATION Natalie Canfield (Alexa Doig) College of Nursing University of Utah UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ABSTRACTS Natalie Canfield Alexa Doig |