Medical information system with iconic user interfaces

Healthcare authorities have recognized the potential of information technology (IT) systems to improve the quality of service and provide better patient care. It is not easy to develop software applications that meet quality standards, time pressure, and budget constraints without making a predictive preparation. It is crucial to collect accurate data in a relatively short time while completing the hospital process. Instead of using complex and long forms for record keeping, developing a software system may be beneficial. Better human-computer interfaces can be designed by the participation of the actual system users. In this study, a medical information system was developed for the emergency service data flow to Tablet PCs via Wi-Fi mobile network by implementing user-centered development methodology. The application was tested by actual system users selected from the physicians and nurses. The purpose of this study was to assess the usability of iconic user interfaces in a medical information system by ISO usability standards, and heuristic evaluation. The user reactions were observed while performing with the systems. The system users participated both in the development and evaluation process. Icon design process with users' participation was also introduced briefly in this paper. It was shown the participatory icon design process is useful and effective. The usability of the web-based applications is improved with visual iconic components on hospital information interfaces.