Usability Heuristics and Qualitative Indicators for the Usability Evaluation of Touch Screen Ventilator Systems

Abstract

Abstract.A ventilator system provides respiratory support to critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Increasing complexity in the user interface, features and functionalities of ventilator systems can cause medical errors and cost the life of a patient. Therefore, the usability of ventilator systems is most crucial to ensure patient safety. We have evolved a specialized set of heuristics combined with objectively defined usability indicators for the usability evaluation of touch screen based ventilator systems. Our study presents the heuristic evaluation of three touch screen based ventilator systems manufactured by three different companies. The heuristic evaluation has been performed by four different usability evaluators to ensure the reliability of heuristics proposed in this paper. The specialized set of heuristics linked with user interface components and the objectively defined usability indicators are found more reliable in identifying specific usability problems of ventilator systems.

Physicality quantitative evaluation method

“…There are various studies that performed usability evaluations of physical interfaces of devices (Carvalho and Soares, 2012;Katre et al, 2010;Packer and Blubaugh, 2011;Vera-Munoz et al, 2011;Young-Corbett et al, 2010), however our work is in the area of physicality that is least addressed in the literature. Recent studies (Ashraf and Ghazali, 2011a, 2011b, 2011d investigated the interaction with an example embedded system (i.e., a power-wheelchair controller) according to physicality principles and proposed a better user interface.…”

“…Their number, types and functionalities are escalating rapidly while their size is decreasing. This growing multifarious nature of embedded systems with decreasing size is resulting in the introduction of internal and external complexities (Ferscha et al, 2007;Norman, 2007;Wilkinson et al, 2011;Katre et al, 2010;Packer and Blubaugh, 2011). Software developers are struggling to manage the software complexities while embedded system developers are trying to manage the hardware or firmware complexities (Cavet et al, 2007;Gulliksen, 2007;Kim et al, 2007;Navarre et al, 2011).…”

Semiotic analysis combined with usability and ergonomic testing for evaluation of icons in medical user interface

“…These errors may occur due to various factors including inappropriate or poor design of iconic interfaces. In our previous research on usability evaluation of ventilator systems, we have signified certain heuristic criteria in this regard [13]. These are reproduced below considering its relevance here -…”

“…There is need for standardization and user awareness about these symbols. Such symbols/icons should be also included and explained in the printed or online user manuals preferably in local Indian languages [13].…”

Usability Model for Medical User Interface of Ventilator System in Intensive Care Unit

“…• Three important features observed with 'user interface' of ventilator systems are shown in the model -'Combination of physical and onscreen interface', 'High risk' and 'Long-distance visibility' [5,9,23]. These features are shown connected with 'user interface' in the model.…”