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User experience study to evaluate a clinical decision support system prototype supporting continuous kidney replacement therapy in a simulated ICU environment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The increasing amount of data routinely collected on ICUs poses a challenge for clinicians which is aggravated with data-heavy therapies like Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy (CKRT). We developed the CKRT Supporting Software Prototype (CKRT-SSP), a clinical decision support system for use before, during and after CKRT. The aim of this user experience (UX) study was to prospectively evaluate CKRT-SSP in terms of usability, user experience, and workload in a simulated ICU setting. METHODS: We simulated CKRT treatments in a fully equipped single patient room in the ICU and evaluated CKRT-SSP using validated questionnaires: System Usability Scale (SUS) and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). Furthermore, a modified NASA-TLX (task load index) compared the workload before and after using CKRT-SSP. Twelve clinicians and nurses participated in this study. RESULTS: The SUS reached a median value of 87.5 for CKRT-SSP, reflecting excellent usability. In the UEQ, CKRT-SSP scored clearly positive in the attractiveness dimension and the three task-related dimensions of clarity, efficiency, and dependability (95% CI fully > 0.8). For the two non-task-related dimensions, stimulation and novelty, there was a positive trend (mean > 0.8, lower limit of 95% CI < 0.8). The modified NASA-TLX suggests a trend to less total workload with CKRT-SSP which mainly is attributable to less physical demand and less effort. CONCLUSION: CKRT-SSP is a promising tool for improving the workload in ICUs and the specific application of CKRT. We obtained valuable insights for further user-centric development.

Source: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

DOI: 10.1186/s12911-025-03165-7

Authors: L-M. Kunz, M. Metzger, C. Schaefer, R. Pohlmeier, J. Petrovic Vorkapic, Michael Nosch

Institutions: Fresenius (Germany), Fresenius Medical Care (Germany), Marienhospital Bottrop, Helios Kliniken

Language: English

Topic: Electronic Health Records Systems

Subfield: Health Information Management

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990