Usability and Health Information Technology
This lesson builds practical understanding of human factors engineering using a healthcare quality, patient safety, and high-reliability lens.
Learning outcomes
- Explain core usability principles in healthcare technology.
- Recognize poor interface design risks in EHRs and digital tools.
- Support safer human-technology interaction.
Usability in healthcare technology
Usability refers to how effectively, efficiently, and safely people can use a tool to achieve their goals. In healthcare, this applies to EHRs, infusion pumps, medication cabinets, monitors, telehealth tools, and decision support systems.
Common usability risks
Risks include cluttered screens, poor alert logic, hidden information, confusing navigation, excessive clicks, inconsistent labels, and look-alike interface elements. Poor usability increases cognitive load and raises the chance of error.
Designing for safer interaction
Safer digital design makes critical information prominent, reduces unnecessary steps, uses consistent terminology, supports recognition rather than recall, and avoids overwhelming users with nonessential alerts or poorly timed interruptions.
Technology must fit workflow
Even a technically capable system can fail if it does not fit clinical workflow. Human factors engineering asks whether the technology supports actual work patterns, handoffs, timing, and decision needs.