Human Systems Integration in Expeditionary Medical Treatment Facilities

Abstract : Future Expeditionary Medical Treatment Facilities (EMTF) are expected to achieve the same effectiveness as current facilities while facing predictions of fewer personnel, personnel with lower initial qualifications, and growing sophistication of equipment. The present research aims to develop tools to improve the design of such facilities and equipment by providing Human Systems Integration (HSI) principles and design requirements. Specific aims are to identify the highest priority HSI technical challenges in next-generation facilities, assess the tradeoffs among the HSI technical domains related to the design of these facilities, evaluate candidate technologies that address the HSI issues, and develop HSI guidance. Our approach takes the following steps: We started with an assessment of the state of the art in EMTF design, emerging technologies and important trends. This assessment was guided by an advisory panel consisting of medical personnel experienced with remote consultation and diagnostics, and service personnel with experience in EMTFs. We collected data from the research literature on reported HSI issues in EMTFs, supplemented by data collection through interviews and site visits. We also identified and analyzed emerging technologies that may impact EMTFs in areas linked to HSI in the near future. From these sources we have identified high-priority HSI issues and developed plans for an open, scalable, and flexible facility design to support HSI experimentation, with automated data collection capability. Future work will make use of the mockup and prototype design facility to investigate high priority HSI issues in EMTFs, analyze results, and develop actionable guidelines for future EMTF design with detailed descriptions and supporting data.