INVESTIGATING ACUTE STROKE TREATMENT PROCESSES AND IDENTIFYING DESIGN REQUIREMENTS THAT FACILITATE INTEGRATING DATA COLLECTION SOFTWARE INTO CLINICAL WORKFLOW

Abstract

Quality assurance relies on the collection of accurate, complete data to understand performance and provide feedback. However, many rural and remote hospitals are unable to consistently collect data due to the heavy resource cost and perceived lack of value for clinicians. Three studies were conducted in this thesis. First, a literature review analyzing and categorizing stroke treatment process improvements implemented in different hospitals. Second, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted for thematic analysis to recognize similarities and variations in stroke treatment processes across Canada. Finally, a prototype data collection software was designed and tested by clinicians to identify their needs and requirements to integrate the software into clinical workflow. These studies highlight the difficulties community and rural hospitals face collecting data during the stroke process. The design requirements identified will help mitigate barriers and add value for clinicians to seamlessly integrate data collection software into their workflow.