PROJECT OVERVIEW : This rapid response project includes an usability evaluation and re-design of an existing handoff tool targeted for widespread dissemination by the VA National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS). At the Indianapolis VAMC, the computerized Patient Handoff Tool (PHT) generates a handoff form by extracting patient data from the Computerized Patient Record System; in use since 1998. This project consists of assessing current data / information formats. Specifically, the daily progress notes that are included in the handoff form are variable and require further design and structuring to enhance their usability and relevance. Additionally, identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation is critical to refinement and further dissemination. Early stages of the project include: 1) Evaluate the type and quality of information transferred using the PHT, 2) Refine / design the PHT to standardize and optimize knowledge transmission and usability; and 3) Describe barriers and facilitators to PHT implementation.

Research Partners: VA Hospital, Brad Doebbeling, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine.

Graduate Research Assistant: Rob Elliott

Usability Methods: Task analysis, interview, and questionnaire

FUNDING: VA RESEARCH

Medical Information Visualization Assistant System (MIVAS)

Project Overview: Data solution that integrates medical data using data visualization models: Data visualization studies were designed and tested, with long-term solutions for automated data visualizations for expediting patient care.

Research Partners: Riley Hospital, Critical Care Unit, Simon Hillier, MD, Professor of Medicine

Graduate Research Assistant: Heather Wiltse

Usability Methods: Cognitive walkthrough, performance testing, user questionnaire

Related Publications:

Faiola, A. & Hillier, S. (2006). Multivariate Relational Visualization of Complex Clinical Datasets in a Critical Care Setting: A Data Visualization Interactive Prototype, Proceedings of the HCI Symposium –Information Visualization Conference 2006, IEEE, London, England, 460-465.

FUNDING: SOLUTION CENTER

Research Partners: D. Marrero, MD & P. Roach, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine

Graduate Research Assistant: Rob Elliott

Usability Methods: Cognitive walkthrough, time on task performance testing, user questionnaire

FUNDING: AHA (Diabetes Prevention and Control Division)

Collaborative Cancer Control Initiative: A Web Portal for Linking IUCC Patients, Clinicians, and Researchers

Project Overview: The purpose of this project is to establish a secure web portal for Indiana University Cancer Center (IUCC) patients and families to serve as a platform for translation of evidence-based cancer control behavioral interventions. A nationally recognized strength of Cancer Prevention and Control Program (CP & CP) at IUCC and within the Mary Margaret Walther Program (MMWP) is the incorporation of technology into research. Although countless Web sites exist that address consumers’ questions about cancer prevention and treatment, the information is often without a strong research base and can be difficult to interpret. At best, many Web sites deliver information that is not individualized to a specific patient concern and offer no opportunity for interaction with health care professionals, and at worst, deliver information that may be detrimental. The web portal proposed in this letter of intent, the Indiana Cancer TRAIN (Translating Research – Answers and Information Network), will provide a framework for online access to previously tested interventions or to test new research interventions for cancer patients and families.

Research Partners: Co-PIs: A.M. McDaniel (School of Informatics), PhD, P. Helft, MD, C. Given, PhD, B. Given, PhD (Indiana University, Schools of Medicine)
Research Collaborator: A. Faiola, PhD (School of Informatics)
Graduate Research Assistant: Chris Newlon
Usability Methods: Under consideration

Diabetes PC Application for Adolescences

(In Early Stages of Development)

Project Overview: Design, development and testing of a tablet PC tool that educates adolescent diabetics on the dangers of hyperglycemia, particularly when driving.

Research Partners: Donald Orr, MD, Indiana University, Schools of Medicine
Graduate Research Assistant: Rob Elliott
Usability Methods: Cognitive walkthrough, time on task performance testing, user questionnaire

FUNDING: CLARIAN GRANT

Sodium Alert Software Tool

(In Early Stages of Development)

Project Overview: Design and development of software for mobile device will quickly calculate a patient’s total sodium and water intake and predict the likelihood of dangerously low sodium concentrations. User-entered data includes patient weight, from which daily fluid and sodium requirements will be calculated from well accepted formulae.

Research Partners: Riley Hospital, Critical Care Unit, Dr. Simon Hillier, Professor of Medicine
Graduate Research Assistant: None assigned
Usability Methods: Cognitive walkthrough,, user questionnaire

Med-Alert System (MAS)

Project Overview: The goal of MAS is to support patients taking large quantities of prescription medication, 8-15. This system is made to be downloaded into existing mobile devices.

Research Partners: Informatics Research Institute
Graduate Research Assistant: None assigned
Usability Methods: Cognitive walkthrough, user questionnaire, paper and dynamic digital prototyping