Asking the Right Questions—Human Factors Considerations for Telemedicine Design

Abstract

Purpose of Review The goal of this paper was to provide a narrative review of human factors considerations for telemedicine. It also sought to provide readers a foundation of human factors thinking and methods that could be employed within their own practice. Recent Findings There are only a handful of articles that discuss the importance of user-centered design and human factors principles in relation to telemedicine systems. Summary Most articles come to the conclusion that design flaws could have been avoided by involving stakeholders in the design and implementation of telemedicine. However, many of them lack the guidance for those who find themselves having to choose, implement, or use unwieldy systems. With this in mind, this paper provides a series of human factors principles, realworld questions, methods, and resources for those who may find themselves considering, implementing, sustaining, or using telemedicine in their own healthcare settings.

Interruption of breast cancer care and importance of inter-hospital cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case report of advanced breast cancer in Fukushima, Japan

“…6 However, without finding a nearby collaborating hospital, where the necessary examinations can be performed and treatments can be received when required, telemedicine should not be thoughtlessly implemented as a major strategy for provision of care, especially for patients with metastatic cancer or progressive disease. 7 Considering that the COVID-19 pandemic is occurring as successive waves in Japan, it is necessary to not only rely on the introduction of novel telemedicine technology but also to reform and adjust the traditional referral system for medical institutions, especially between urban and rural areas, so that it is suitable for the post-pandemic era. Telemedicine can be a useful option; however, patients who have been receiving treatment at hospitals in urban areas should be able to continue their treatment in rural areas even when it becomes difficult for them to visit hospitals in urban areas.…”

Shortcomings of telemedicine and importance of uninterrupted cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case report of advanced breast cancer in Fukushima, Japan

“…Without finding a nearby collaborating hospitals that can provide necessary examinations and treatments when they are required, telemedicine should not be thoughtlessly indicated as a major medical provision strategy especially for patients with metastatic cancer or progressive diseases. 6 In general, post-operative surveillance for early-stage breast cancer patients include annual mammography and other adjunctive medical examinations, such as ultrasonography and CT. 7 On the other hand, for breast cancer patients with metastasis or recurrence, serum tumor marker tests and other imaging tests are recommended every few months, depending on patients' conditions. 8 In our case, the university doctor in charge understood the importance of performing a CT immediately considering the patient's condition, and she also made an effort to find a nearby hospital.…”

Design-Relevant Factors Affecting the Patient Experience in Digital Health: Preliminary Results of an Umbrella Systematic Review

“…Examples include medical conditions (e. g. aging barriers [20], postpartum status [8]), technical literacy [13-15, 23, 24], health literacy [15,24], or language literacy [18].…”

“…x Opportunity Opportunity refers to whether the physical and social environment enable the patient to be involved in DHIs. Nine articles [2,8,13,15,16,18,19,23,24] reported opportunityrelated barriers or facilitators that influence DHIs' implementation, such as the cost of digital equipment [15], financial reimbursement [16,23], a familiar and relaxing use environment [2], lack of time [8], cultural differences [19], social support [8,15,23,24], and digital health policy or legislation [13,23].…”

“…Nine reviews [2,8,9,15,16,18,21,23,24] presented how patients' concerns or awareness about privacy, security and credibility can impact DHI adoption.…”