Affiliations: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville,
MD, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Teresa Zayas-Cabán, PhD, Agency
for Healthcare Research and Quality, Center for Primary Care, Prevention, and
Clinical Partnerships, 540 Gaither Road, Room 6115, Rockville, MD 20850 USA.
Tel.: +1 301 427 1586; Fax: +1 301 427 1180; E-mail: Teresa.ZayasCaban@ahrq.hhs.gov
Abstract: Objective: Achieving optimal health outcomes requires that consumers
maintain myriad health data and understand how to utilize appropriate health
information management applications. This case study investigated four
families' health information management tasks in their homes. Participants: Four different families participated in the study: a single
parent household; two nuclear family households; and an extended family household. Methods: A work system model known as the balance model was
used as a guiding framework for data collection. Data collection consisted of
three stages: (1) primary health information manager interviews; (2) family
interviews; and (3) task observations. Results: Overall, families
reported 69 unique health information management tasks that took place in nine
different locations, using 22 different information storage artifacts.
Frequently occurring tasks related to health management or health coordination
were conducted in public spaces. Less frequent or more time-consuming tasks,
such as researching a health concern or storing medical history, were performed
in private spaces such as bedrooms or studies. Conclusions: Similarities
across households suggest potential foundational design elements that consumer
health information technology application designers need to balance with
tailored interventions to successfully support variations in individuals'
health information management needs.
Keywords: Case study, balance model, interviews, observations, household
