Identifying Influential Theories in Human-Computer Interaction Within Health Informatics: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Digital Health Technologies

Background:

• Digital transformation in healthcare necessitates effective health information systems (e.g., EHRs, mHealth).
• Optimal user interaction with these systems remains a significant challenge.
• HCI provides theoretical frameworks to enhance the design, usability, and adoption of digital health tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize the most frequently applied HCI theories in health informatics.
• To examine the relevance of these HCI theories across various digital health technologies.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
• Searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar without date restrictions.
• Included studies applying a defined HCI theory to health information technologies; excluded review/conceptual papers.

Main Results:

• HCI theory application in health IT has surged since 2015, particularly post-2020.
• Most frequent theories: Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Social Cognitive Theory (SCT).
• mHealth applications (37%) were the primary focus, followed by hospital information systems and web-based tools. Top contributing countries: US, UK, Australia.

Conclusions:

• HCI theories are crucial for enhancing the design, usability, and implementation of health information systems.
• Integrating user-centered theoretical frameworks is essential for successful system development.
• Future research should prioritize broader geographic and contextual diversity in theory-based studies.