| OCR Text |
Show 22 The nurse informaticists chose structured inputs (i.e., radiobuttons, checkboxes, and lists) for most screen entries. This approach provides a standard set of terms for data analysis. Checkboxes graphically display Boolean events, which are true or not recorded. Radiobuttons display a small set of choices. Scrolling lists display larger lists of fixed choices. Although the free text alternatives can potentially capture subtle relationships in word contexts and semantics, they require computationally expensive natural language processing. For some entries, structured inputs are not sufficient. Since inadequate handwriting recognition frustrates clinicians, the graphical user interface utilized on-screen or connected keyboards for text and numeric entry. This is used for the entry of integers, floating point numbers, and free text. Since the VA Medical Center's clinical environment contains varied computing resources, the project initially developed client software in C and the GRIn® penbased graphical application program interface (API), which supports pen-based and mouse-based personal computers running DOS™ or Windows™. All software currently under development at the VA GRECC is written in C, C++, and Visual Basic™ for the Microsoft@ Windows™ environment, which allows execution on both pen-based computers and personal computer (PC) workstations. |
