Evaluation of the Newton Pen-Pad as a tool for collecting clinical research data at the bed-side.

A protocol for the study of practice variation between Quebec Intensive Care Units in the treatment of myocardial infarction by thrombolysis was coded into the Newton Pen-Pad. This tool for the direct recording of clinical data was tested in the working environment by research nurses of 4 different teaching hospitals. Data was sent directly from the pen-pad by telecommunication to the information coordinating center. The results of this evaluation confirm the reliability and robustness of this approach which promises to be an important tool for applied clinical research.