Workflow Integration Matrix: a framework to support the development of surgical information systems

Design and technological development of surgical information systems for complex workspaces, such as the surgical theatre raise a variety of challenges for the designer. These challenges originate from the role of the designer within a multidisciplinary development team involving surgeons, technologists and designers. This role creates two needs: first, the analysis of surgical requirements and processes within the surgical workspace, and second, the sharing of the requirements and processes within a multidisciplinary development team. To address both the needs, this paper proposes a framework called the Workflow Integration Matrix (WIM). WIM uses theories of human behaviour in problem solving, especially the information processing paradigm. The proposed framework intends to provide evidence-based decision-making for the development of new surgical technologies.