Kitchen Utensils and Applied Clinical Informatics

Today I’m writing today to share a tale of Applied Clinical #Informatics, in four parts (or, “Why workflow analysis, naming conventions, indexing, and usability all really do matter.”)

Part 1: “I’m sorry, I don’t have time to talk about workflow analysis, naming conventions, indexing, or usability — just give me everything I need in one place, and quick!!”

Part 2: “Wait, that’s not right, I can’t use that. I still don’t have time to talk about any of that workflow or usability stuff, but can you just put everything I need in one place so I can see it all and easily access everything I need with just one click?”

Part 3: “Wait, that still doesn’t look right, and I’m afraid I’m going to be scrolling forever. I still don’t have the time to meet, but I heard there’s some tool they use at another organization. Can you just find out what tool they use to do this, and then just put my stuff into whatever tool they use?”

Part 4: “OK, wait… I think I see the problem. Let’s make some time to talk about workflow, including exactly what these tools do — what I use them for, and when I use them. Then let’s talk about the naming conventions and indexing for each tool, so they all have a standard look and feel. Then let’s talk about usability, so that I keep the most commonly needed tools in one place, and the less common tools in a separate but nearby place. And then finally after you build it, I’ll help test it to make sure it’s both functional (what we need) and also easy-to-use.”

Eureka — That’s it!

The end.

Remember, this blog is for educational/discussion purposes only; your mileage may vary. Have a good teaching example you’d like to share? Feel free to leave in the comments section below!

This piece was written Dirk Stanley, MD, a board-certified hospitalist, informaticist, workflow designer, and CMIO, on his blog, CMIO Perspective. To follow him on Twitter, click here.