Usability of the integrated health system (SIB) among public health and midwifery users

Integrated health system (SIB) is a common electronic health records, widely used in Iranian healthcare centers. The present study aimed to investigate the usability of this system among selected users.

A descriptive-analytical study was designed and conducted in 2021 with participation of 196 healthcare workers. Usability of the system was tested by means of the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the IsoMetric Standard Questionnaire. Data analysis was applied using SPSS version 26 software.

SUS showed a marginal usability for the system. All the 7 dimensions of the isometric questionnaire were found to be within the relatively favorable range with an average score of 3.1 to 3.2. SIB system was unacceptable for 30.6% of users, marginaly acceptable for 45.4%, and acceptable for 23.9% of users. Results showed a significant but inverse relationship between usability of the system with the average time past on it during a working day (p<0.039). Women estimated this system as more usable compared to men (p = 0.007).

The present study emphasized that SIB system needs specific considerations to become more usabile, and compatible with ergonomic dialogue principles. The most effective modifications would be included eliminating complicated steps, harmonizing relevant process, reducing memory-based process, individualization, error tolerancy, and user-centered design.