Objectification and negotiation in interpreting clinical images: implications for computer-based patient records.

This paper concerns the role of images and visualization in clinical practice and decision making. In particular, how physicians talk about and use images are discussed. Findings from evaluation studies of clinical imaging computer information systems suggest that the role and interpretation of images is negotiated, an example of how what is seen is influenced by the practice community, and, therefore is situated in specific instances of clinical decision making. An understanding of professional vision with respect to how physicians use and think about images may aid in developing clinical imaging systems, computer-based patient records, and other clinical information systems that could integrate well with clinical work practice.