Defining User Roles and Interface Designs to Enhance Human-System Performance Optimization Competencies for Healthcare Professionals at the VHA Through a Centralized Knowledge Platform

Abstract

The U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) launched an initiative to strengthen the human-systems performance optimization competencies of informaticists—healthcare professionals managing health IT systems—after identifying critical human factors failures during electronic health record (EHR) rollouts. To address time constraints and training gaps, a centralized, AI-powered knowledge platform was developed. Using extensive front-end analysis methods, the team defined four key user roles—Viewer, Creator, Reviewer, and Supervisor—and designed the system to prioritize practical, just-in-time human factors competency improvement materials. The platform features AI-driven search, modular design, real-world case studies, and personalized learning paths, all while maintaining accessibility standards. By embedding human factors practices into daily workflows, the initiative aims to enhance patient safety, operational efficiency, and decision-making across the VHA. Future efforts will focus on evaluating long-term impacts, promoting sustained human-systems performance optimization practices, and addressing barriers to adoption.