Evaluation of a prototype health information system using the FITT framework

Abstract

Objectives To demonstrate how the fit between individual, task and technology (FITT) framework1 can be used for health information system evaluation. Methods We developed a prototype information system with an integrated expert system for headache patients. The FITT framework1 was used to evaluate the prototype health information system. Results The FITT framework,1 once applied, positively evaluated 199 integrated headache diagnoses, 349 schemes and 698 symptoms. We assessed 528 internet pages to determine to what extent they met the users' expectations. In two study sections, a total of 70 (of 140) participants used the system. In the second section, the intervention group did significantly better (P=0.031) than the control group. Conclusions The FITT framework1 provided a proper tool for evaluating the prototype health information system and determining which specific set of deltas to focus on in future developments.

Keywords

• expert system
• FITT
• information supply
• internet
• IT adoption