Using heuristic evaluations to assess the safety of health information systems

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2009:143:297-301.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Evaluation Studies as Topic*
  • Medical Errors / prevention & control
  • Medical Informatics / standards*
  • Safety Management*