Usability Evaluation of a Gui Prototype for a Ventilator Machine

Objective. Information presentation on the monitor screen of ventilator machines affects nurses’ response and decision-making during ventilation treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a new GUI (graphical user interface) prototype, the so-called circular display prototype can make deviations easy to detect. Method. A numerical display prototype was made and used as a reference display in the evaluation. Six task scenarios that involved parameter changes were selected to simulate a real situation under volume control (VC) mode during ventilation treatment. Usability tests with the two display designs were carried out in a usability laboratory. Twenty medical nursing students participated as test subjects in the usability tests. Results. The objective results showed that the graphical circular display had an advantage over the numerical display in interpreting parameter changes, but not in reducing the error rates for detecting the number of parameter changes or for forming an overall picture of the patient’s situation. Furthermore, the circular display prototype did not improve the detection time. Conclusions. Although the majority of the test subjects preferred the graphical circular display, the results implied that several aspects of this prototype should be improved in a future development study.     

Audit for a Purpose

This article argues that to be successful clinical audit needs to have an explicit and useful purpose. This is for the general purpose of audit, and for each specific clinical audit project. Negative and positive views about clinical audit are compared with the official policy that the purpose of clinical audit is to improve patient care. It is suggested that to be purposeful, each clinical audit project needs to be clearly focused and concern issues that are important to the people who are going to carry out the audit. The audit also needs to address issues about quality, such as effectiveness and efficiency. It is also suggested that clinicians need to own the audit process if they are to be committed to examining their own practice and identifying any deficiencies. The choice of audit topic and analysis of data should therefore be controlled by the clinicians. This leads to discussion of possible conflict between managers, purchasing agencies and clinicians over the choice of audit topics. It is concluded that careful negotiation may be required to ensure that each audit topic is perceived as purposeful by clinicians.     

Development of a web-based genetics institute for a nursing audience

The purpose of this article is to serve as a resource for readers considering the development of a web-based continuing education offering in their particular specialty areas. A theory-based instructional design using a face-to-face genetics summer institute as a content template and incorporating several levels of planned formative evaluation are described. Summative evaluation strategies revealing satisfaction with the format, improved knowledge, and ability to use genetics knowledge in participants' work setting are also discussed. Finally, lessons learned following completion of two 18-week web-based genetics institutes are shared.     

Pilot of a workbook for children visiting a loved one in a hospice

A palliative care counsellor developed a workbook for use by children aged 5 to 14 years visiting a loved one in a hospice. This article reports the findings of a small qualitative pilot study exploring how children used the workbook, their views on it and the views of their families and hospice staff. The seven children in the study all enjoyed having the workbook. It provided opportunities for them to interact and build relationships with the staff and to become more involved in their visits to the hospice. Nurses and staff thought the workbook had the potential to help nurses and parents respond to questions or to stimulate discussion. Children used the workbook in different ways, highlighting the need for a flexible approach. It is essential when using such a tool that individual and family needs are respected. The study also raised issues regarding the need for training and emotional support for staff.