Defning the Paperless Workplace with the Paper Metaphor - not a Contradiction in Terms

Weber, G.

The transition from a paper-based work environment to a largely paperless environment is still in full swing, in healthcare as well as in other domains. Analysts predict a further decade of efforts is necessary at least. In reality, paperless IT-based workflows offer both advantages and disadvantages over paper-based solutions. This is in contrast to the na ̈ıve expectation that a paperless solution should be a strict improvement over paper-based processes. We identify a set of generic requirements that address common drawbacks of IT solutions, and we propose a system model that helps to create IT systems which preserve the advantages of paper-based processing. The main tenet is that the paperless solution should be based on a naturalistic paper metaphor. Our system model supports auditability of IT systems by direct reference to the paper metaphor and ensures that information is faithfully presented to the practitioner. The system model is intended for mission critical applications such as health record management.

Cite as: Weber, G. (2011). Defning the Paperless Workplace with the Paper Metaphor - not a Contradiction in Terms. In Proc. Australasian Workshop on Health Informatics and Knowledge Management (HIKM 2011) Perth, Australia. CRPIT, 120. Kerryn Butler-Henderson and Tony Sahama Eds., ACS. 63-70

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