Approaches to demonstrating the effectiveness and impact of usability testing of healthcare information technology

Andre Kushniruk, Simon Hall, Tristin Baylis, Elizabeth Borycki, Joseph Kannry

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

In recent years the usability of health information systems has come to the fore as a major issue, with many reported examples of problems with the usability of systems such as electronic health records and other health information technologies (HIT). In response a range of usability engineering methods have emerged to help in the design and evaluation of HIT. Many studies have shown the importance of usability testing methods that include full video recording of user interactions, such as the method known as low-cost rapid usability testing. However, such approaches have been considered by many as being too costly to carry out and some have argued that they may take too long to be used for practical input into improving applications and systems. In this paper we demonstrate several approaches we have taken for proving the cost-effectiveness and benefit of conducting principled usability testing. It is argued that such studies are needed to inform system design and evaluation and for proving to healthcare management the need for properly conducting such studies before releasing HIT.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationImproving Usability, Safety and Patient Outcomes with Health Information Technology
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Research to Practice
EditorsAlex Mu-Hsing Kuo, Andre Kushniruk, Francis Lau, Elizabeth M. Borycki, Gerry Bliss, Helen Monkman, Abdul Vahabpour Roudsari, John A. Bartle-Clar, Karen L. Courtney
PublisherIOS Press
Pages244-249
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781614999508
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

Publication series

NameStudies in Health Technology and Informatics
Volume257
ISSN (Print)0926-9630
ISSN (Electronic)1879-8365

Keywords

  • Usability engineering
  • cost-benefit
  • economics
  • evaluation
  • quality improvement
  • usability testing

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Approaches to demonstrating the effectiveness and impact of usability testing of healthcare information technology'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this