From hard copy to computer integration: developing clinical indicators for quality improvement.
The Clinical Indicator Workbook is a computerized tool that allows users to develop measures of healthcare quality. The electronic workbook, which includes selected clinical indicators to measure various aspects of patient care and teaching examples, was developed by using a major word processing package and uses a point-and-click feature. Its distribution and installation are managed by a program that enables users to select one of three options: (a) installation of the required files and indicator documents, (b) duplication of material on two diskettes for future distribution within the user's facility, and (c) on-line help. Once the workbook is installed, users are able to copy and customize the indicators for use with interdisciplinary teams in clinical settings. A survey of initial users, who are, for the most part, quality managers in the Veterans Affairs system, indicated that they are satisfied with this tool overall.