This Handbook provides guidelines for the design of effective user interfaces for health information systems. This Handbook is based on the following principles: (a) Fit with workflowThe usability of a computer interface for health care delivery is related to the quality of the interface and how this can effectively meet the users’ task requirements i.e. how the computer system meets the users’ computational needs in their daily workflow.(b) Pattern recognitionThe manner in which the user learns the health information system, that is, when the accomplishment of a clinical task by the health care professional is achieved by using the computer interface. For example to close a window one needs to move the cursor to the top right hand corner and click on the ‘x’ when using Windows®.9c) Information priority in designThe efficiency of the computer interface provides the right information in the right location. The presentation of the most critical clinical elements enables them to be easy to find and not be missed by decision makers.(d0 Suited to intermittent usersThe computer interface is intuitive to the health care professional using the system sporadically. (e) Multiple users of single machinesAutomatically refreshing the data and information (returning the screen to its previous image) when individual users log on.(f) Error/warning message overloadThe error rate, or number of warning messages that occur in the system and the frequency and place in the workflow impact the efficacy of the messages themselves. There are two types of error/warning messages; those that relate to the patient and their care and those to relate to the computer system’s operation. Sensitive design of error/warning message handling is critical to health care delivery as it can jeopardize the well being of the patient by interrupting the workflow of clinical care. (g) User acceptabilitySuccessful system adoption and use is dependent upon user satisfaction with the system interface design. This Handbook does not address the issues of usability testing processes of the traditional software engineering approach. It identifies the specific requirements for designing computer interfaces for health care information systems in order to ensure patient safety and consistent use of graphical elements and interface components within health information systems.

First published as HB 306-2007.