As the development of health information technologies and health information systems has become broad and multi-dimensional, its application in healthcare settings and research is now closely connected with exploring how technologies influence the care for patients. Frameworks of technology evaluation now represent a set of guidelines associated with technological appraisals concerning healthcare processes, methods, objectives, and subjects (NICE, 2018). With the help of these guidelines, researchers can find issues and limitations in the process of implementation and subsequently identify the results and benefits of health information systems to facilitate the improvements in technology applications that guide organizational decision-making.
In their study, Ting-Ting (2016) explored the evaluation of health informatics from the standpoint of a framework as there is a wide variety of models of evaluating technologies. For instance, the socio-technical method is often used because social practices within an institution are targets of such evaluations, instead of the technology itself. Another example is to use a framework of evaluations that incorporates indicators concerning human, organizational, and technological components (Yusof, 2015). Another approach mentioned is to take into account organizational systematic, environmental, and professional indicators of health information evaluation (Sockolow, Bowles, & Rogers, 2015). Therefore, Ting-Ting (2016) introduced a multi-dimensional framework that would take into account different factors associated with health information and draws from the existing models and theories.
The factor-driven approach to evaluation includes technological, human, social, and timing factors. Ting-Ting (2016) mentions that technology is the core of the evaluation framework, with computers representing an external force that impacts behavioral changes at both individual and organizational units. Human factors come into play when the technological design of evaluations becomes a controlled process addressing user needs. Therefore, technical features can change and adapt to user needs, which shows that the human factor is as important within the health technology evaluation framework. Stemming from the human factor, the social factor of technology evaluations is concerned with the complex social interactors that influence the use and the outcomes of technological systems. For example, there may be differences in the way in which nurses and physicians approach technological integration in the care setting, which can lead to changes in the outcomes of health care information systems. The timing factor is vital to consider because technology should be used for a sufficient time period in order to generate large data volumes for evaluation. Thus, the health informatics evaluation framework should incorporate the timing factor because of the need to decide on when technology will be implemented.
Technology in Disaster Preparedness
Disaster management has been closely associated with information use due to the possibility to enhance situational awareness and two-way communication. Despite the fact that such new information technologies as social media have changed the way in which disaster relief organizations acquire situational information, there is little discussion as to how the technologies should be used in the context of specific strategies. In their study, Sakurai and Murayama (2019) explored different examples of IT use at different stages of disaster management such as risk reduction, disaster response and recovery, as well as preparedness.
With the help of information technologies and systems, it becomes possible to record, transfer, and process information related to disasters. For example, at the risk reduction stage, data acquired from sensors or open satellite images can be instrumental for recording real-time situations occurring on land, waterways, or other critical components of the infrastructure. The information gathered could point to possible risks and vulnerabilities that should be addressed in order to prevent disasters from occurring. At the stage of preparedness, local units may prepare with the help of disaster field exercises. With the help of online dashboards and such technologies as Virtual Reality training systems, it is possible to facilitate an information exchange during exercises as well as provide simulation experiences for better preparedness. When a disaster occurs, it becomes essential to gather situational information, and with the help of social media, responders can collect data from citizens directly. Combined with such tools as open street maps, responders can increase their situational awareness and the management of informational tools.
The study by Sakurai and Murayama (2019) is essential because the researchers have paid extensive attention to the use of information technologies in the case of a disaster. The essential roles of information systems, such as information record as well as exchange and process have shown to be critical in the effective efforts to manage disasters. The researchers put forth two important arguments, regarding the necessity of an effective strategy of information used throughout all disaster management stages as well as regarding the necessity of introducing data standards within various information management systems and stakeholders related to them. IT-enabled disaster responses and risk reduction process, therefore, requires a multi-dimensional approach necessary for dealing with problems caused by disasters, both natural or human-made. Overall, the researchers suggested that further studies were necessary to facilitate disaster management with the help of information technologies in order to develop a holistic approach.
References
NICE. (2018). Guide to the processes of technology appraisal. Web.
Sakurai, M., & Murayama, Y. (2019). Information technologies and disaster management – benefits and issues. Progress in Disaster Science, 2, 1-4.
Sockolow, P., Bowles, K., & Rogers, M. (2015). Health information technology evaluation framework (HITREF) comprehensiveness as assessed in electronic point-of-care documentation systems evaluations. Studies in Health Technology & Informatics, 216, 406-409.
Ting-Ting, L. (2016). Evaluation of health information technology – key elements in the framework. Journal of Nursing Research, 24(4), 283-285.
Yusof M. M. (2015). A case study evaluation of a critical care information system adoption using the socio-technical and fit approach. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 84(7), 486-499.