Browsing in an ambulatory information system

A graphical multiwindow user interface to an ambulatory information system is presented. Its friendliness and effectiveness rise from a highly structured external data representation and easy interaction techniques for reading and querying the information base. The techniques are primarily based on browsing, enriched with advanced navigation functionality to speed up consultation and allow easy query formulation. The interaction is almost entirely carried on by direct manipulation of the displayed objects. The information base concerns the outpatient pediatric department of the Catholic University of Rome and comprises patient medical records including personal and family history and physical examinations.<>