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Framework for usability: healthcare professionals and the Internet
J A Jacko1, A Sears, S J Sorensen
1School of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332-0205, USA. jacko@isye.gatech.edu
Ergonomics
|November 6, 2001
Summary
Healthcare professionals use the Internet for information retrieval, with subjective World-Wide Web (WWW) experiences being key to valuing search enhancements. Usage varies by occupation, highlighting the need for tailored online resources.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Information Science
- Medical Education
Background:
- The Internet is increasingly vital for healthcare information.
- Understanding healthcare professionals' Internet use is crucial for effective information dissemination.
- Existing research may not fully capture diverse professional usage patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically characterize Internet usage among various healthcare professionals.
- To assess healthcare professionals' perceptions of the Internet as an information retrieval tool.
- To identify factors influencing the perceived value of World-Wide Web (WWW) enhancements.
Main Methods:
- A custom-designed questionnaire was administered to healthcare professionals.
- Data collected focused on Internet usage patterns and perceptions.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences between occupational groups.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in Internet use and enhancement perceptions were found across healthcare occupations.
- Subjective user experiences with the World-Wide Web (WWW) were more influential than self-reported knowledge.
- The study identified key areas for improving WWW usability in healthcare contexts.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare professionals' Internet utilization is occupation-dependent.
- Enhancing WWW search functionality should prioritize user experience.
- A conceptual framework for healthcare Internet usability is proposed, guiding future research and development.