Health Information Maps: Combining Macroergonomics Concepts with Facilities Layout Tools

Abstract

Health care consumers are faced with managing an increasing volume of health information and information technology solutions have been developed to support these activities. In order to develop appropriate solutions, it is important to understand the context in which lay persons manage their health information. This study was conducted to develop Health Information Maps, a facilities layout method that uses macroergonomics as a guiding framework. This article presents results from the first cycle of the study, which tested the feasibility of using the Maps methodology. Study results show that participants appeared to be engaged in the interview process and understand interview questions. Based on participants' responses, study methods have been expanded to add an explicit evaluation of the methodology by study participants. The interview has also been revised to account for differences between ‘health insurance cards’ and ‘health insurance policy,’ in order to focus solely on health insurance cards.