We developed an electronic medical abbreviation dictionary for the Radiology Information System(RIS)in Osaka University Hospital as a support for cognitive processes. We also investigated whether users wished to have this dictionary added to the RIS. The data for the dictionary comprised 4500 abbreviations with their full spellings, Japanese definition, and other explanations. We input these into a computer in text format, then converted the file to Excel* format to enable users to alter the contents by themselves. Reference software was developed with Windows 3.1 on Visual BASIC version 4.0 to fit the RIS terminal, which is connected to the 80486 CPU, 33 MHz, 14.3 MB main memory. This software was installed on 21 terminals with sufficient space on their hard disk. These terminals were selected from a total of 60 RIS terminals. One month after installation of the software, we conducted a questionnaire survey to determine (1)the perceived value of the dictionary,(2)the operability of the software, and (3)problems with this new RIS factor. The questionnaire was administered to medical doctors, radiological technicians, and nurses who use our RIS terminals. The results showed that 81% of the users thought the dictionary was useful. This survey also clearly showed that RIS users greatly appreciated the new dictionary, not only as a labor-saving device, but also as an aid to cognitive processes.
*Microsoft(c) |
