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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Post-MAPS is a web platform that collects gastroenterological exam data from several
european hospital centers, to be used in future clinical studies and was developed
in partnership with experts from the gastroenterological area and information technology
(IT) technicians. However, although functional, this platform has some issues
that are crucial for its functioning, and can render user interaction unpleasant and
exhaustive.
Accordingly, we proposed the development of a new web platform, in which we
aimed for an improvement in terms of usability, data uni cation and interoperability.
Therefore, it was necessary to identify and study different ways of acquiring clinical
data and review some of the existing clinical databases in order to understand how
they work and what type of data they store, as well as their impact and contribution
to clinical knowledge. Closely linked to the data model is the ability to share data
with other systems, so, we also studied the concept of interoperability and analyzed
some of the most widely used international standards, such as DICOM, HL7 and
openEHR. As one of the primary objectives of this project was to achieve a better
level of usability, practices related to Human Computer-Interaction, such as requirement
analysis, creation of conceptual models, prototyping, and evaluation were also
studied. Before we began the development, we conducted an analysis of the previous
platform, from a functional point of view, which allowed us to gather not only a list
of architectural and interface issues, but also a list of improvement opportunities.
It was also performed a small preliminary study in order to evaluate the platform's
usability, where we were able to realize that perceived usability is different between
users, and that, in some aspects, varies according to their location, age and years of
experience.
Based on the information gathered during the platform's analysis and in the conclusions of the preliminary study, a new platform was developed, prepared for
all potential users, from the inexperienced to the most comfortable with technology.
It presents major improvements in terms of usability, also providing several new
features that simplify the users' work, improving their interaction with the system,
making their experience more enjoyable.