Title: Understanding the diversity of user requirements for interactive online health services

Authors: Sumayya Banna; Helen Hasan; Patrick Dawson

Addresses: Faculty of Business, Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW 2522, Australia ' Faculty of Business, Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW 2522, Australia ' Faculty of Business, Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW 2522, Australia

Abstract: The purpose of the study presented in this paper is to develop our understanding of the diversity of user requirements for interactive online health services in order to inform improvements to their design leading to better health outcomes. Data collected in Australia was analysed following the established but unfamiliar regime of Q methodology that enables the subjectivities of a diverse set of respondents to be studied systematically. This analysis produced three significant groupings of respondents referred to as: 'service-oriented users', 'collaborative interactive users' and 'health information seekers'. Among these groups we identify and discuss a range of elements indicative of the variety of users' experiences and subjective views on the content, design, functionality and usability of systems for the development of effective interactive online health service provision.

Keywords: online health services; health information systems; HIS; interactive healthcare; Q methodology; user diversity; user requirements; interactive health services; healthcare services; e-services; electronic services; Australia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2016.078371

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2016 Vol.15 No.3, pp.253 - 271

Accepted: 29 Apr 2016
Published online: 15 Aug 2016 *

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