Implications of transforming the Patient Record into a Knowledge Management System

In this paper I theorize about how transforming the interpretative scheme for what a patient record is might restructure a health care setting. The observations presented here were obtained when I during three years followed implications of constructing and computerizing a patient record at three different hospitals. The results were then analyzed and interpreted within a framework combining theories about knowledge management with concepts from structuration theory and cognitive theories about schema-use, representations and sense-making. The findings indicate that thinking about the patient record as a knowledge management system might start a horizontal and vertical movement, a movement of coordination and enhancement. I propose that what the employees want to achieve with the knowledge management system depends on what strategy they have for it.interpretative schemes; anesthesia patient record; knowledge management system; knowledge management; structuration theory

The human factor in an effective structure management system

This paper demonstrates that while an effective structure monitoring system benefits strongly from the integration of modern technologies, human experience and oversight remain the essential component. The myriad of technologies available for structure monitoring and management are improving at a great rate. These technologies provide analysis and oversight at levels which historically have been uneconomical or unachievable. A single instance of the DamWatch application is providing real-time, always-on monitoring of 12,000 dam structures for 3,000 users in the United States (Caldwell, Scannell, & Herbert, 2014). Automated systems can tirelessly monitor data feeds, rapidly perform complex calculations and dispatch notifications. However, this paper argues that the impacts of this growing role for technology, while powerful, is still superseded by the impacts of the human input in structure management systems. An optimal structure management system should be designed with this in mind. This includes ensuring data is complete and accurate, easily accessible and understandable for users. User contribution and involvement in structure management systems should not be limited by an individual’s computer literacy. Users should be trained and supported to ensure they are able to react to and leverage data provided by information systems. Clearly defined protocols allow individuals to make informed decisions and organizations to respond promptly to developing situations. To assess these arguments we will examine a number of case studies. These case studies will focus on hydrologic events which affected bridge and dam structures in the care of multiple, unrelated managing authorities. By exploring the incidents, the responses and the eventual outcomes, we will weigh the role of human data in the effective management of structures exposed to the natural environment

Human Factors Considerations in System Design

Human factors considerations in systems design was examined. Human factors in automated command and control, in the efficiency of the human computer interface and system effectiveness are outlined. The following topics are discussed: human factors aspects of control room design; design of interactive systems; human computer dialogue, interaction tasks and techniques; guidelines on ergonomic aspects of control rooms and highly automated environments; system engineering for control by humans; conceptual models of information processing; information display and interaction in real time environments

Augmented Reality for Indoor Navigation and Task Guidance

Modern augmented reality systems are becoming increasingly popular in different industrial sectors as augmented reality based applications can improve performance and reduce workload during operations. The efficacy of such systems, however, has not been comprehensively investigated from human factors and performance standpoints. This research explores the design, development and evaluation of augmented reality based prototype applications for two discrete domain areas which include indoor navigation (Part II) and procedural task support in nuclear power plants (Part III). Augmented Reality-Based Indoor Navigation: In the study, we introduced an augmented reality-based indoor navigation application that utilizes pre-scanned environmental features and markerless tracking technology to assist people to navigate in indoor environments. The application can be implemented on electronic devices such as a smartphone or a head-mounted display, providing both visual and auditory instructions. In particular, we examined Google Glass as a wearable head-mounted device in comparison to hand-held navigation aids including a smartphone and a paper map. We conducted both a technical assessment study and a human factors study to comprehensively evaluate the system. The technical assessment established the feasibility and reliability of the system. The human factors study evaluated human-machine system performance measures including perceived accuracy, navigation time, subjective comfort, subjective workload, and route memory retention. The results showed that the wearable device was perceived to be more accurate, but other performance and workload results indicated that the wearable device was not significantly different from the hand-held smartphone. We also found that both digital navigation aids were better than the paper map in terms of shorter navigation time and lower workload, but digital navigation aids resulted in worse route retention. These results could provide empirical evidence supporting future designs of indoor navigation systems. Implications and future research were also discussed. Augmented Reality-Based Task Assistance in Nuclear Power Plants: This research illustrates the design, development and human factors evaluation of an augmented reality based procedural task guidance system, implemented on a hand-held tablet device (ipad), in order to support nuclear power plant operators with main control room operations. After conducting an extensive literature review, we detail the development stages of our new application prototype that employs marker based tracking to superimpose computer generated instructions in the live view of the operators control panel. We had hypothesized that the augmented reality-based procedures would perform better than the traditional methods currently used in nuclear power plants that include computer-based procedures and paper-based procedures. A research study was devised and carried out that compared the three methods of procedural instructions. The performance evaluation and human factors study revealed that the augmented reality based prototype solution reduced operator’s workload, increased operators situation awareness, made processes efficient and less prone to errors and reduced inquiry communication. The results also led us to conclude that augmented reality based procedural assistance poorly supports memory retention and skill learning amongst operators

The Development of a Job Performance Aid Design Model for Use in Aviation

The aviation industry depends heavily on the high-reliability of its equipment and human performers. One method used to assist human performance has been the job performance aid. Traditionally job performance aids were only considered repositories for information and substitutes for training. Today, however, job performance aids have taken on a new role that includes aiding the human information process. Consequently, it was determined that an effective job performance aid design model would be beneficial to those responsible for job performance aid design. This article presents an overview of a study that incorporated principles from the fields of instructional technology and aviation human factors, which identified variables that affected job performance aid design and pinpointed design activities necessary for effectiveness

The historical development and basis of human factors guidelines for automated systems in aeronautical operations

In order to derive general design guidelines for automated systems a study was conducted on the utilization and acceptance of existing automated systems as currently employed in several commercial fields. Four principal study area were investigated by means of structured interviews, and in some cases questionnaires. The study areas were aviation, a both scheduled airline and general commercial aviation; process control and factory applications; office automation; and automation in the power industry. The results of over eighty structured interviews were analyzed and responses categoried as various human factors issues for use by both designers and users of automated equipment. These guidelines address such items as general physical features of automated equipment; personnel orientation, acceptance, and training; and both personnel and system reliability