Cognitive engineering in interface design

Today, many medical information systems are not satisfactory to their users. To ensure ultimate acceptance of health care information systems asks for systems that map on health care workers' tasks and on their cognitive processes in performing these tasks. The development of human-oriented computer interfaces requires insight in users' information needs and information processing in view of the tasks that will be computer-supported. Cognitive engineering aims at understanding the fundamental principles behind human activities that are relevant in designing a system that supports these activities. The application of cognitive engineering methods may therefore contribute to computer systems that fit better in health care working practices. We used cognitive engineering methods in designing a user interface for a physicians' workstation to support them in preparing their patient screening. The information needs and information search strategies of 4 physicians were revealed by systematic analyses of verbal protocols and video's while they successively worked through 10 paper-based patient records in preparing their patient visits. The results of these analyses were used as input for the design of a conceptual higher-order model that represents both the information needs and information search strategy of these physicians. Based on this higher-order conceptual model, we developed paper-mock ups and a first prototype of the user interface. The physicians will evaluate this prototype in the next phase of the project.