Microsoft releases no-cost UI toolkit for healthcare apps

Microsoft extended itself a bit further into the healthcare IT marketplace this week, with the release of a new set tools designed to help developers create user interfaces for healthcare apps.  The toolkit, the Microsoft Health Common User Interface (CUI), was developed in cooperation with the U.K.-based national Health Service, and is available for no cost (downloadable at http://www.mscui.net).

The tool, which is focused on helping developers offer interfaces to EMR apps, includes a set of .NET 2.0 controls designed for use in ASP.NET AJAX applications and WinForms.NET. The toolkit can use industry standards such as SNOMED CT, and is designed to be flexible enough for developers to use in varied environments. Still, the idea is to help programmers "create safe, consistent user interfaces for healthcare applications," according to Tim Smokoff, general manager of worldwide health at the Worldwide Public Sector at Microsoft.

To learn more about the toolkit:
- read this Government Health IT article