Using heuristic evaluations to assess the safety of health information systems.
Health information systems (HISs) are typically seen as a mechanism for reducing medical errors. There is, however, evidence to prove that technology may actually be the cause of errors. As a result, it is crucial to fully test any system prior to its implementation. At present, evidence-based evaluation heuristics do not exist for assessing aspects of interface design that lead to medical errors. A three phase study was conducted to develop evidence-based heuristics for evaluating interfaces. Phase 1 consisted of a systematic review of the literature. In Phase 2 a comprehensive list of 33 evaluation heuristics was developed based on the review that could be used to test for potential technology induced errors. Phase 3 involved applying these healthcare specific heuristics to evaluate a HIS.
Carvalho
Christopher J
CJ
School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
Borycki
Elizabeth M
EM
Kushniruk
Andre W
AW
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000592:standards*; D017751:Safety Management