Determining User requirements for an Audiology Information System

This paper examines user requirements for a new audiology information system for use in audiology departments by audiology staff. There is a lack of literature on requirements for an audiology information system. This ethnographic study describes the current audiology service and the equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. Eliciting user requirements from all the users of a clinical information system provides the best possible outcomes for all user groups: clinical, administration and hearing aid technicians. The study includes a review of audiology internal policies and a survey of all potential end users of a new audiology information system in the Health service Executive (HSE) community service. The findings identify the six most important user requirements in a new audiology information system. These priority requirements include the storage of all Noah files, multiple patient search options, have all test results stored in the patient's electronic record, be capable of generating IT-based reports and store the audiogram in the patient's electronic record (EHR). Other findings include the desire for a paperless system and for the integration of all audiology equipment and existing IT databases, with up-to date information system involving automated processes.