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Examining the symptom experience of hospitalized patients using a pen-based computer

The purposes of this study were to test the feasibility of using a pen-based computer to capture self-reported symptom data, to evaluate the system, and to evaluate the importance of obtaining symptom data. The sample included 72 patients who were hospitalized for a variety of medical conditions. Self-reported symptom data was obtained with the automated Sign and Symptom Checklist. The feasibility of using an automated symptom checklist to capture self-reported symptom data was demonstrated. Patients' evaluations of the ease of use and the format of the system were primarily positive; mean ratings ranged from 4.58 to 4.70 on a 5-point scale. Patients indicated the importance of documenting symptoms, with a few suggesting that the use of an automated symptom checklist may increase communication between providers and patients. Study findings support the inclusion of self-reported symptom data in electronic health records and national health care databases.