Design of an Information System for Palliative Care: User Analysis

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2018:250:11-13.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the demographic factors and the level of knowledge related to information and communication technologies of potential users of a palliative care information system.

Methods: The Task, User, Representation, Functionality (TURF) framework was applied to characterize potential users (patients and caregivers) of an information system for palliative care in a private clinic in Medellin, Colombia, through a survey.

Results: We analyzed 35 patients and 39 caregivers. The majority were women, that lived in urban area and belonged to middle-income socioeconomic stratum. Caregivers, in contrast to patients, are common users of information and communication technologies.

Conclusion: An information system should focus on the needs of caregivers, and it would be targeted to subjects facing challenges related to technology adoption; information and communication technologies are interesting and important tools for the improvement of health team.

Keywords: Information Systems; Palliative Care; Telemedicine.

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers*
  • Colombia
  • Communication*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Palliative Care*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires