Go here for a sample spreadsheet of possible factors that could be used to compare two point of use systems. Possible methodologies for use its could be:

• If you already have a system in place and are comparing a new system to your installed system:

  • In the first column you would check off the features you have available on your existing installation. You could flag these by priority or need (e.g. basic features that are absolute "must-haves", additional features that are needed, features that would be "nice" but are not absolutely necessary, etc.)
  • In the second column you can indicate if the evaluation system also has the same feature.
  • In the third column you score the new system on the feature in question. A score of between 1 and 10 is assigned. Since you are comparing the evaluation system to your existing install you may use of score of 5 if the evaluation system is functionally equivalent, a score lower than 5 if the evaluation system's feature is not "as good" as your install, and a score greater than 5 if the evaluation system's feature is superior in some way to your existing install.
  • Have as many people as possible fill out evaluations on the system. You will want to have a good cross-section of people participate in the evaluation - Materiels staff, Nursing (staff and managers), IS, etc.
  • Calculate the mean value assigned to each feature. It may also be useful to calculate the median value, range, and standard deviation to get an idea of the scores' distribution.
  • You should 'weight' each feature. For example, since the foundation of a successful point-of-use system depends on nurse compliance with pushing the buttons on removing product, you would give the associated factors a bigger weight than other features that are less relevant to the successful use of the system.
  • Multiply the mean score for each feature by its weight and calculate the mean weighted total.
  • From the final score you can see if the evaluation system scores higher or lower than your existing install. Go beyond the single number - if the evaluation system scores higher or lower than your existing system you will need to determine if the difference (up or down) is significant. Also, look at the individual scores for strengths and weaknesses (e.g. the evaluation system may overall score higher but still have areas where it is weaker than your existing system, or vice versa.)

• If you do not currently have a system and are comparing two new systems:

  • In the first two columns you would check off the features that are available on the two systems. You could flag these by priority or need (e.g. basic features that are absolute "must-haves", additional features that are needed, features that would be "nice" but are not absolutely necessary, etc.)
  • In the next two columns you score the two systems on the feature in question, giving a score of between 1 and 10.
  • Have as many people as possible fill out evaluations on the system. You will want to have a good cross-section of people participate in the evaluation - Materiels staff, Nursing (staff and managers), IS, etc.
  • Calculate the mean value assigned to each feature. It may also be useful to calculate the median value, range, and standard deviation to get an idea of the scores' distribution.
  • You should 'weight' each feature. For example, since the foundation of a successful point-of-use system depends on nurse compliance with pushing the buttons on removing product, you would give the associated factors a bigger weight than other features that are less relevant to the successful use of the system.
  • Multiply the mean score for each feature by its weight and calculate the mean weighted total.
  • From the final scores you can see which system scores higher than the other. Go beyond the single number - if one system scores higher than the other you will need to determine if the difference (up or down) is significant. Also, look at the individual scores for strengths and weaknesses.