Scenario-based design: A method for connecting information system design with public health operations and emergency management
Responding to public health emergencies requires rapid and accurate of workforce availability under adverse and changing circumstances. However, public health information systems to support resource management during both routine and operations are currently lacking. We applied -based design as an approach to engage public health practitioners in the creation and validation of an information design to support routine and public health activities. Methods: Using semi-structured interviews we identified the information needs and activities of senior public health managers of a large municipal health department during routine and emergency operations. Results: Interview analysis identified 25 information needs for public health operations management. The identified information needs were used in conjunction with -based design to create 25 scenarios of use and a public health manager persona. Scenarios of use and persona were validated and modified based on follow-up surveys with study participants. Scenarios were used to test and gain feedback on a pilot information system. Conclusion: The method of scenario-based design was applied to represent the resource management needs of senior-level public health managers under routine and settings. Scenario-based design can be a useful for engaging public health practitioners in the design process and to validate an information system design.
Two researchers iteratively coded interview transcripts for area manager information needs ( use of constant comparative methodsScenarios of use developed through scenario-based design (scenarios of use applied on recent critical event at the time of the study: snow storm)
Semi-structured interviewsQualitative data analysisScenario-based designValidation surveys and think-aloud protocol
Engagement of participants through participatory design:1-hour interviews focused on area managers, who play a key role in decision-making during routine and operations (over a 4-month period)Guide for semi-structured interviews was:Based on prior field work at the study settingAnalysis of continuity of operations planning (COOP)Documents from the local health jurisdictionSystematic review of literature covering public health, information technology, and COOP.
Collection done through pilot interviews and validated interviews.
Explore the use of -based design as an approach to engage public health practitioners in the creation and validation of an information design to support routine and work activities
Resource management systems exist for clinical settings, an open-source or commercial system that meets public health needs for integrating and visualizing employee data from different sources to assist with decision-making was n.a..( An existing open-source public health GIS to support the scenarios of use was modified: Prototype developed: Continuity of Operations Data Analysis (CODA)Validated through formative using a think-aloud protocolCODA provides resource management and location information about staff at public health centers.
Develop descriptions that characterize the context of work for area managersIdentified 25 individual information needs.Creation of a persona based on common participant characteristicsDevelop 25 scenarios of use designed to satisfy identified information needs. ( The design of the scenarios was guided by the persona description and a critical incident (snow storm context)
Interviews were recorded with the permission of each participant
Investigate the information needs, communications and work processes of managers of multiple facilities that require support during routine and operations at a large local health jurisdiction.The interview guide covered the following six areas: Professional public health background of each participantNormal duties, decisions and use of technologiesDecisions and communication channels used during routine vs. operationsBarriers and needs to successful communication with staffCurrent understanding of the continuity of operations planInformation about a recent regional snow storm as critical incident.
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