Objective:

To describe an academic medical center's experience with housestaff involvement in the implementation of a new clinical information system, with particular emphasis on resident contributions in tailoring the technology to meet the workflow needs of the center.

Methods:

A resident advisory group was formed to tailor the new system. Housestaff developed user interface screens to streamline presentation of patient data. Order sets were developed, offering an opportunity for education in standardized care and "best practice." A rounds report displays aggregated patient specific data for use in prerounding and rapid assessment of patient information. A sign-out tool was designed to facilitate transfer of information during change of shift.

Results:

Residents contributed in tailoring the technology to meet the workflow needs of our academic medical center setting.

Conclusion:

The design and implementation of a new clinical information system can be used to introduce concepts important in practice-based learning and systems-based practice.