Title: Designing a better health technology intervention to support medication management

Authors: Jean-Pierre Calabretto, Paula M.C. Swatman

Addresses: School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, Playford Building, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. ' School of Computer and Information Science, University of South Australia, City West Campus, 27-29 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia

Abstract: Our research set out to investigate the potential for a beneficial technology intervention in the area of medication management – an area previously devoid of such support. We chose the design research (DR) method, based on its suitability to handle complexity as evidenced by its use in education and information systems-based research. Our intervention was based on two artefacts – an information model and its implementation as a digital document – which were well accepted by the trial participants. Based on our positive experience, we conclude that DR may very well be a useful and appropriate research approach for studying the application and impact of technology interventions in the health domain.

Keywords: design research; digital documents; healthcare technology; information modelling; medication management; technology interventions.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2008.026989

Journal of Design Research, 2008 Vol.7 No.4, pp.367 - 392

Published online: 12 Jul 2009 *

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