Ahmadi M¹ (PhD), Shahmoradi L * 2 ( PhD ), Barabadi M¹ (MSc), Hoseini F¹ (MSc)

  ¹ Department of Management and Medical Information Sciences,Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  ² School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  Received: 18 Jun 2010, Accepted: 25 Dec 2010

  Abstract

  Introduction: Usability of information systems means the ability of these systems to be used effectively, satisfactorily and efficiently for specific objectives by specific users. This study aims to evaluate the usability of hospital information systems (HIS) according to the criteria of isometric 9241, Part 10.

  Methods: In this cross-sectional study, hospitals which have HIS were identified and the standard questionnaire of isometric 9241, Part 10, was used to assess their HIS. This questionnaire assesses these seven principles: suitability for the tasks, self- descriptiveness, controllability, conformity with user expectations, error tolerance, suitability for individualization, and suitability for learning. The SPSS software was used to analyze data descriptive tests (mean, percentage and frequency) were used to review the specified criteria.

  Results: T he mean score of suitability for the task was 3.04, while the mean scores for self- descriptiveness, controllability, error tolerance, and suitability for learning were 2.86, 3.09, 2.95, and 2.97, respectively. The highest score was for conformity with user expectations (3.14) and the lowest was for suitability for individualization (2.57).

  Conclusion: Developers of HIS in Iran should pay more attention to some abilities such as the ability of forms, screens and menus to be changed according to user’s preferences compatibility of HIS with user’s level of knowledge and skill adjustability of the amount of information displayed on screen according to user’s needs compatibility of the names of commands, objects, and actions with user’s vocabulary adjustability of input devices according to user’s needs and adjustability of the software's response times according to user’s speed.

  Key words: Hospital Information Systems Usability Usability Evaluation Iran

  Hakim Research Journal 2011 13(4): 226- 233.

  * Corresponding Author: Ghods St, Keshavarz Blvd, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Tel: +98- 21- 88951772, Fax :+98- 21- 88953071, Email: Lshahmoradi@tums.ac.ir