Symptom checkers are software tools that allow users to submit a set of symptoms and receive advice related to them in the form of a diagnosis list, health information or triage. The heterogeneity of their potential users and the number of different components in their user interfaces can make testing with end-users unaffordable. We designed and executed a two-phase method to test the respiratory diseases module of the symptom checker Erdusyk. Phase I consisted of an online test with a large sample of users (n=53). In Phase I, users evaluated the system remotely and completed a questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model. Principal Component Analysis was used to correlate each section of the interface with the questionnaire responses, thus identifying which areas of the user interface presented significant contributions to the technology acceptance. In the second phase, the think-aloud procedure was executed with a small number of samples (n=15), focusing on the areas with significant contributions to analyze the reasons for such contributions. Our method was used effectively to optimize the testing of symptom checker user interfaces. The method allowed kept the cost of testing at reasonable levels by restricting the use of the think-aloud procedure while still assuring a high amount of coverage. The main barriers detected in Erdusyk were related to problems understanding time repetition patterns, the selection of levels in scales to record intensities, navigation, the quantification of some symptom attributes, and the characteristics of the symptoms.

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Background Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) is a model for treatment of long-term severe mental disorders. This method has become more widespread in Norway. Objective The objective of our study was to examine how the implementation of FACT teams in Norway has been affected by eHealth policy, infrastructure, and regulations. Another objective was to examine existing literature on eHealth interventions and challenges within FACT teams. Methods We have examined Norwegian policy regulating mental health services, laws and regulations, eHealth infrastructure, relevant literature on FACT teams, and current implementation of FACT in Norway. Results FACT teams are a wanted part of the Norwegian service system, but the current eHealth infrastructure makes sharing of data within teams and levels of health care challenging, even if eHealth regulations allow such sharing. This has been shown to be an issue in the current implementation of FACT teams in Norway. There is little or no existing research on the eHealth challenges facing FACT teams. Conclusions Weaknesses in the Norwegian eHealth infrastructure have been a barrier for an easy implementation of FACT teams in Norway. It is difficult to share information between the different levels of health care. We need systems that allow for easy, secure sharing of health information to and between the FACT team members and other involved health care workers.

Flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) is a model for delivering long-term, integrated and comprehensive treatment and follow-up for patients with severe mental illness. The objective of this study was to examine ICT challenges of Norwegian FACT teams. Doing observations in 3 teams and interviews with 5 teams we examined use of ICT systems, identifying challenges with the use of the electronic whiteboards, electronic health records, and team calendars. Better ICT systems and infrastructure are needed to support Norwegian FACT teams.