The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify usability problems encountered by patients, as passive users, during the interpretation of technologies that are used during patient care by clinicians and nurses. Participants were asked to interpret key artifacts in the health information technology display and determine potential outcomes. The results from this study indicate that the majority of participants were not able to accurately interpret information from the display, which may have implications for patients' health care experiences and decision-making. Patients' perceptions of technologies used while seeking and receiving health services can be explored using human-computer interaction methods, theories, and design tools.