Computers in a human perspective - an alternative way of teaching informatics to health professionals.

Schneider W (1989)

Schneider W (1989) Computers in a human perspective - an alternative way of teaching informatics to health professionals. Report no. 6/89 from Uppsala University Center for Human-Computer Studies, Uppsala, Sweden.

Abstract

An alternative way of teaching informatics, especially health informatics, to health professionals of different categories has been developed and practised. The essentials of human competence and skill in handling and processing information are presented in parallel to the essentials of computer assisted methodologies and technologies of formal language based informatics. Requirements on how eventually useful computer based tools have been designed in order to be well adapted to genuine human skill and competence in handling tools in various work contexts are established. On the basis of such a balanced knowledge methods for work analysis are introduced. These include how the existing problems at a working place can be identified and analyzed in relation to the goals to be achieved. Special emphasis is given to new ways of information analysis, i. e. methods which even allow the comprehension and documentation of those parts of the actually practised "human" information handling and processing which normally are overlooked, as e. g. non-verbal communication processes and so called "tacit knowledge"-based information handling and processing activities. Different ways of problem solving are discussed involving -in an integrated human perspective - alternative staffing, enhancement of the competence of the staff, optimal planning of premises as well as organizational and technical means. The main result of this alternative way of education has been a considerably improved user competence which in its turn has led to very different design of computer assistance and user interfaces. It is the purpose of this paper to give a brief outline of the teaching material and a short presentation of the above mentioned results. Special emphasis is given to that part of the course where computer assisted interactive media technology presently is introduced due to the fact that this is the only way of adequately presenting some of the most important parts of human performance in handling and processing information including communication.