Simulating information exchanges in order to investigate the utility of public health websites

This paper explores the nature of communication and information flows in critical medical environments to inform the design of public website support. Results are presented of a study of communication in Intensive Care Units (ICU), where data was collected from the website owners, public users of the site and ICU clinicians who traditionally find communication with families of patients difficult. The paper presents the results of this research aimed at understanding the situation and needs of potential website users. The study has provided a greater understanding of how information technologies can help to resolve problems that arise with the ad-hoc, face-to-face communication that currently occurs in this area. To underpin the research a systems-dynamics model of information flows in an ICU, was developed in an evolutionary fashion using Stella software. The modelling process was informed by a review of literature, as well as data from various stakeholder groups. The model provided a means of re-interpreting the data, encapsulating the knowledge gained from the study and visualising the research findings in an innovative way that is enabling the project to move forward.

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