Evaluating the IDDEAS Decision Support System for Norwegian CAMHS

This is a mixed-methods study to evaluate IDDEAS, a decision support system for diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents in Norwegian CAMHS. The IDDEAS project is organized into the following stages: (1) The Assessment of Needs and Preparation of IDDEAS; (2) The Development of the IDDEAS CDSS model; (3) The Evaluation of the IDDEAS CDSS; and (4) Implementation and Dissemination (see Figure 1). This qualitative study reports on the interviews conducted as one component of the usability evaluation of the first IDDEAS prototype (11 (link)).
This evaluation process utilizes user-centered design (UCD) methods, with the testing of the CDSS conducted in phases of developmental iterations. The UCD methods include formative usability sessions (12 (link), 31 (link)), cognitive walk-through/think-aloud procedures (5 (link), 32 (link)), iterative development with end-users, and utilization of both qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry (31 (link), 33 ). As part of UCD, the iterative development of the CDSS involves continuous collaboration with CAMHS clinicians. The specific methods and the development plan are detailed in the IDDEAS project protocol (11 (link)). The present study serves as the first usability test, using UCD methods to investigate Norwegian CAMHS clinicians’ perceptions of the usability, utility, and overall functionality of the IDDEAS prototype.