Y Dahl1. 1. Department of Computer and Information Science, NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norway. yngveda@idi.ntnu.no
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to explore how computerized interpersonal information can be mediated through the physical environment of hospital wards. Specifically, it focuses on a communication service (location-based virtual notes) that allows hospital workers to leave short digital messages at relevant physical locations (e.g. by a patient bed), so that intended colleagues can pick them up later when entering such a location. In a work setting where personnel move between various locations mainly as a result of work priority, improving timeliness of information and reducing the number of work interruptions is essential. Our objective is to provide a set of user-motivated design guidelines that address important usability aspects of the proposed communication service. METHODS: To get end user feedback, a prototype was built and tested in simulated scenarios with real hospital workers. The material gathered from the usability testing and following interviews was reviewed to identify critical usability issues. RESULTS: We identified a number of relevant usability issues concerning the applied design metaphor, posting of digital messages, role-based contact, and user control. These issues formed the basis for a set of preliminary design principles. CONCLUSIONS: We view the preliminary usability guidelines as an incentive for more extensive research. Based on feedback from the test participants, we conclude that the location-based virtual notes have promising potential to improve timeliness of ad hoc information exchange between hospital workers.
OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to explore how computerized interpersonal information can be mediated through the physical environment of hospital wards. Specifically, it focuses on a communication service (location-based virtual notes) that allows hospital workers to leave short digital messages at relevant physical locations (e.g. by a patient bed), so that intended colleagues can pick them up later when entering such a location. In a work setting where personnel move between various locations mainly as a result of work priority, improving timeliness of information and reducing the number of work interruptions is essential. Our objective is to provide a set of user-motivated design guidelines that address important usability aspects of the proposed communication service. METHODS: To get end user feedback, a prototype was built and tested in simulated scenarios with real hospital workers. The material gathered from the usability testing and following interviews was reviewed to identify critical usability issues. RESULTS: We identified a number of relevant usability issues concerning the applied design metaphor, posting of digital messages, role-based contact, and user control. These issues formed the basis for a set of preliminary design principles. CONCLUSIONS: We view the preliminary usability guidelines as an incentive for more extensive research. Based on feedback from the test participants, we conclude that the location-based virtual notes have promising potential to improve timeliness of ad hoc information exchange between hospital workers.