Introduction to Engaging Stakeholders through HCD
Incorporating HCD is crucial for creating functional and inclusive solutions in healthcare. Therefore, in this third part of our series on engaging stakeholders through HCD, we discuss the importance of bridging the gap between the developmental process and the testing phase through independent testers, which provide more accurate and meaningful results. Additionally, using independent testers ensures compliance, usability, and a better stakeholder experience.
Long-term Benefits of Incorporating HCD Through Independent Testers
Generally, independent testing requires an external group of testers who thoroughly test software without any previous bias that tends to come from a team of developers [1]. This helps ensure that the software can account for real-world applications and includes all patients [1]. Additionally, the group of independent testers should prioritize creating diverse teams to address and test different types of functionalities needed by diverse patients. Furthermore, independent testing identifies problems earlier, which prevents increased costs later on [1]. Independent testers can also bring a fresh perspective that prioritizes regulatory standards and user needs.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that independent testers provide benefits in the long run, such as decreasing the costs and potential loss of functionality associated with the lack of a comprehensive evaluation. HCD promotes a fresh perspective that independent testers can use to ensure that all patients access day-to-day functionalities and have a seamless user experience.
Enhancing Functionality Through HCD via Independent Testers
Engaging stakeholders in selecting independent testers can improve functionality by ensuring that testers are chosen based on the actual needs and preferences of the end-users. Additionally, this collaborative approach of involving stakeholders also identifies which areas of the developmental process are most crucial to test, and reflects real-world scenarios. For instance, stakeholders with certain disabilities can select testers who have greater expertise, experience, or satisfaction regarding ADA compliance. Additionally, incorporating feedback from stakeholders based on their own experiences can promote functionality and ensure that the final product is truly inclusive and practical. This not only reinforces functionality but also promotes inclusivity and satisfaction among users.
Optimizing Stakeholder Engagement Through HCD
Overall, integrating independent testers into the HCD process provides a strategic advantage that leads to greater user satisfaction and decreased costs down the line. Additionally, developers can utilize the insights of stakeholders to select appropriate independent testers which ensures that healthcare technologies are evaluated and tested for both functionality and inclusivity. This approach leads to solutions that account for diverse stakeholder needs, and push the expectations for technology to be more user-friendly and accessible.
HITS
HITS provides healthcare management services & works with doctors to develop health informatics tools that promote safe and secure care. We take pride in our services and settle for nothing other than 100% quality solutions for our clients. Having the right team assist with data sharing is crucial to encouraging collaborative and secure care. HITS also focuses on transforming health care by analyzing integrated medical solutions and evaluating information systems. Our goal is to enhance individual and population health outcomes, improve patient care, and strengthen the clinician-patient relationship by incorporating HCD practices.
References
