A user centred approach to the analysis and design of a prototype electronic aged care resident information management system

Abstract

The application of information and communication technology in the aged care sector is still relatively low despite the advances in acute care and elsewhere. Nursing documentation is mainly paper-based in the majority of residential aged care facilities. This is a burden for staff and poses challenges for information management and for assisting care planning and delivery to be evidence-based. The low level of investment in information systems in the aged care sector will be a barrier for incorporation of the sector into the vision of a national Electronic Health Record (HealthConnect). This research project explores issues for the research, design, development and implementation of a prototype residential aged care information management system. The aim of the project is to explore how to effectively develop and implement information systems to address the needs of the sector. A user-centered approach is taken that involves users in the whole process of the project. Human-computer interaction issues have been researched and findings incorporated into the system design. Structured and unstructured interviews, observation of actual work processes were conducted. Documentation practice for various aspects of nursing care has been researched and workflow analysis undertaken through interview and direct observation. The experience acquired will be valuable for government agencies and software vendors to take in their endeavor to develop and implement information systems in the Australian aged care sector.