Abstract
Health information portals (HIP) are now common place. Governments and other health agencies are using HIPs extensively to reduce costs and distribute information more effectively. Generally, HIPs are not very technically sophisticated specifically in terms of options for improving searching. There are many ways in which searching and retrieving relevant information can be improved. This paper presents an exploratory study which investigated five HIPs. Each HIP offered a range of features and functionality to assist with searching. Our research explored the features and functionality of each HIP. Through usability evaluations we compared the response of users to each HIP and identified users' preferences for improved searching. We found that HIPs with improved search functionality and other features that assisted searching were better received by the users. Users regarded these portals as easier to understand, easier to use, required fewer steps in retrieving information and were more likely to say they would return. Comments from users are provided to illustrate further the importance of providing effective functionality. The paper concludes with recommendations for Health Information Portal builders on what is needed to improve the user search experience.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 17th European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS 2009) |
Editors | Sue Newell, Edgar Whitley, Nancy Pouloudi, Jonathan Wareham, Lars Mathiassen |
Place of Publication | Verona Italy |
Publisher | European Conference on Information Systems |
Number of pages | 12 |
ISBN (Print) | 9788861293915 |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Event | European Conference on Information Systems 2009 - Verona, Italy Duration: 8 Jun 2009 → 10 Jun 2009 Conference number: 17th https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2009/ (Proceedings) |
Conference
Conference | European Conference on Information Systems 2009 |
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Abbreviated title | ECIS 2009 |
Country/Territory | Italy |
City | Verona |
Period | 8/06/09 → 10/06/09 |
Internet address |
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