- Important terminology and Concepts: Usability and Decision Support
- It is important for nurses to understand how these terms function in order to effectively use technology in their practice. For instance, if nurses are using technology that has poor usability they may be unable to access the information they need quickly and efficiently which could lead to delays in care or errors (Graham et al., 2008). Understanding decision support systems can also help nurses make informed decisions based on evidence rather than intuition alone. This can result in improved patient outcomes (Graham et al., 2008). Understanding how usability and decision support work is important for nurses in order to ensure they are using the most effective technologies when caring for patients. Improper application of these terms can lead to non-functionality which can have serious implications for patient care as well as cost associated with medical errors or delays in care (Cho et al., 2022). Thus, it is imperative that nurses understand these terms so that they can use technology effectively and safely in order provide quality nursing care. In conclusion, understanding the concepts of usability and decision support can help nurses use technology effectively in their practice which can lead to improved patient outcomes. It is important for nurses to be aware of the potential impacts that could arise from improper application of these terms in order to provide the best care possible. By understanding how usability and decision support works, nurses can ensure they are using the most effective technologies and reduce any risk from non-functionality.Cho, H., Keenan, G., Madandola, O. O., Dos Santos, F. C., Macieira, T. G. R., Bjarnadottir, R. I., Priola, K. J. B., & Dunn Lopez, K. (2022). Assessing the usability of a clinical decision support system: Heuristic evaluation. JMIR Human Factors, 9(2), e31758. https://doi.org/10.2196/31758Sutton, R. T., Pincock, D., Baumgart, D. C., Sadowski, D. C., Fedorak, R. N., & Kroeker, K. I. (2020). An overview of clinical decision support systems: benefits, risks, and strategies for success. Npj Digital Medicine, 3(1). doi:10.1038/s41746-020-0221-y
- Graham, T. A., Kushniruk, A. W., Bullard, M. J., Holroyd, B. R., Meurer, D. P., & Rowe, B. H. (2008). How usability of a web-based clinical decision support system has the potential to contribute to adverse medical events. AMIA … Annual Symposium Proceedings. AMIA Symposium, 2008, 257–261.
