A User Experience Model for Health Data Visualization for Managerial Decision Support

Abstract

Background and Purpose: In public health management, decision-making is heavily reliant on data derived from routine health information systems (RHIS). However, the increasing volume of data necessitates the development of decision-support tools to facilitate data visualisation (DataViz). Despite the availability of several tools, the varying requirements of health managers, based on their respective decision-spaces, contexts, content needs and personal attributes, pose a challenge. This study aims to develop a User Experience (UX) model for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness to improve the design of RHIS DataViz systems.

Methods: The study involved a comprehensive description of the RHIS policy landscape, structures, and processes to understand the regulatory context. A literature review was conducted to investigate the theories and application of UX in RHIS. A Proposed UX model for RHIS DataViz was developed based on the International Organisation for Standardization’s definition of UX, and components from other UX models. The model was tested through a case study involving interviews with 15 health managers, which were subsequently analysed thematically. A focus group was conducted to refine the model, and its final version was evaluated by external subject-matter experts.

Results: The final UX Model for RHIS DataViz emphasises the importance of purposeful storytelling of RHIS data content. However, it also recommends mindfulness of the cognitive load placed on health managers and the range of contextual factors affecting their UX.

Conclusions: The UX Model for RHIS DataViz can be a useful guide for UX practitioners and business analysts while exploring health manager RHIS DataViz requirements. Moreover, the multi-method study, rooted in the design science research paradigm, demonstrates the agility of public health medicine in using innovative research methods.