User-Centered System Design for Communicating Clinical Laboratory Test Results: Design and Evaluation Study

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Patient Engagement

Background:

• Patient portals increasingly provide access to personal clinical data, including laboratory test results.
• Current presentation methods hinder patient interpretation and utilization of laboratory test results.
• Limited understanding exists on designing patient-centered technologies for effective laboratory test result communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore design considerations for patient-centered technology that supports communication and comprehension of laboratory test results.
• To enhance patient understanding and facilitate discussions between patients and healthcare providers regarding test results.

Main Methods:

• A user-centered, multicomponent design research approach was employed.
• Iterative prototype design based on user studies and pilot evaluations.
• Exploration of design concepts for viewing, interpreting, and acting on laboratory test results.

Main Results:

• An interactive system prototype was developed with graphical representations and clear messages.
• Features include annotation capabilities, simplified medical jargon, and context-specific information.
• Pilot evaluation showed the system effectively presents results and facilitates patient-provider interactions.

Conclusions:

• Findings offer design implications for patient-centered communication of laboratory test results.
• Technology should be designed to be informative, trustworthy, and empathetic.
• Improved patient understanding can lead to better health outcomes and engagement.