Author: Nathaniel Smith (2013)
Primary Advisor: Sriram Iyengar, Ph.D
Committee Members: F. Sittig, Ph.D
Masters thesis, The University of Texas School of Biomedical Informatics at Houston.
Abstract:
Molecular diagnostics has an increasingly critical role in quality patient care. Unfortunately, as the molecular laboratory has expanded, so too has the workload placed on molecular technologists, increasing the likelihood of errors. Text-based procedure manuals, intended to assist technologists, are often cumbersome and do not adequately convey visual concepts critical to the assay. Mobile technology designed to provide technologists with multimedia, step by step support, is a potential solution to this problem. In this study, we created mobile technology lessons based on clinical molecular assays which were then evaluated by expert technologists for usability and likability using an 11 question survey. Overall, mobile technology was well received, with the majority of participants finding the software easy to use and better able to convey important visual concepts. Possible areas for improvement include enhanced navigation options the ability to add user notes. Based on these finding, we conclude the implementation of mobile technology could improve new technologist training and reduce laboratory errors.