Human factors and usability engineering research methods in health informatics
Andre W. Kushniruk, Elizabeth M. Borycki · Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks · 2025
There is a range of methods for assessing the usability and usefulness of health information systems. In this chapter we describe methods that have emerged from the fields of human factors and usability engineering. These methods provide a powerful set of tools for evaluation of systems under development as well as those that have been deployed in healthcare organizations. A key approach is known as usability testing, which involves observing and recording end users interacting with health information systems. In this chapter we describe the approach and how it can be used for both conducting research studies and improving the usability of a range of health information systems, including electronic health record systems and decision support systems. Examples are provided of application of the approach and final reflections on the use of the approach are described.