How to select end user clinical data entry devices. Rush University Medical Center develops tool to identify the quantity of devices needed for the implementation of a new EMR and CPOE system.

Selecting the right types and quantities of computers to support data entry to an inpatient Electronic Medical Record (EMR) can be challenging. In addition to software and hardware considerations, many other variables affect the decision including staffing levels, hospital workflows, and floor plans. Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) developed a tool to help identify the quantity of devices needed in a Patient Care Unit (PCU). RUMC successfully used the tool in selecting the quantity of devices needed for the implementation of a new EMR and Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) system. This case study describes the use of the tool to determine quantities of PCU devices, the advantages and disadvantages of different types of computing devices for bedside documentation and areas that require special considerations in the selection of devices.