Metaphors of movement: a visualization and user interface for time-oriented, skeletal plans

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Clinical protocols are vital but often complex for physicians.
• Current representations like flow-charts are inadequate for intricate medical procedures.
• The Asbru language offers a powerful method for therapy planning but has a difficult syntax.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a user-friendly visualization and interface for Asbru-based treatment plans.
• To address the unsuitability of Asbru's computer-science-oriented syntax for physicians.
• To enhance the understanding and application of complex medical protocols.

Main Methods:

• Developed AsbruView, a visualization and user interface for Asbru.
• Utilized graphical metaphors to simplify underlying concepts.
• Employed glyphs for temporal information and color-coding for inter-view connections (Topological and Temporal Views).

Main Results:

• AsbruView was designed to make complex therapy plans more accessible.
• The system incorporates visual aids like graphical metaphors, glyphs, and color.
• A usability study was conducted with six physicians to evaluate the system's effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• AsbruView aims to bridge the gap between complex Asbru-based therapy plans and physician usability.
• The visual design enhances comprehension of intricate medical procedures.
• Further evaluation through usability studies is crucial for refining the system.