Teaching a Human Factors-Based Course in Computers and Medicine

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe a human factors-based course in computers and medicine that has been developed by faculty at the Michigan State University/Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies. This course is targeted at medical students and resident physicians in primary care, but easily could be adapted for use as a graduate-level course in human factors engineering, computer science, or psychology. Unlike virtually all courses in traditional medical informatics programs, this course is human-centered, as opposed to technology-centered. In our presentation, we completely outline the course content and materials, as well as the process we use in teaching this course. In addition, we describe the in-class exercises we use and a number of innovative course projects that students and residents have conducted within the context of our medical education setting. Finally, ways in which this course can be adapted for suitable delivery in a non-medical setting are discussed.