Author: Åsa Cajander (Page 1 of 4)

On November 5th, the TARA Project held its second reference group meeting online via Microsoft Teams. The meeting brought together participants from across the aviation industry to share updates and exchange ideas about the project’s progress.

For those unfamiliar, the TARA Project is a three-year collaboration between Uppsala University and TYA, funded by AFA Insurance. It focuses on exploring how automation, digital tools, and AI can be introduced into aviation while ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. The ultimate goal is to create practical methods that the industry can use when adopting new technologies.

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Key Topics Discussed

The meeting agenda covered several important areas:

1. Stakeholder Study
   The team shared insights from interviews with various stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities of implementing new technologies in airport operations. Discussions highlighted the importance of balancing safety, efficiency, and collaboration to ensure that these changes benefit everyone involved.
2. Ground Staff Study
   Updates on this study focused on how new tools and systems are shaping the daily work of ground-handling staff. While new technologies can improve processes, they also come with challenges that need to be addressed to support workers effectively.
3. Encouraging Participation in Surveys
   With an upcoming survey as part of the project, participants shared strategies for increasing response rates. Engaging with the industry and making the process straightforward for participants were some key takeaways.
4. Looking at Global Trends
   The group explored trends in aviation technology and discussed what they might mean for the industry, from automation to sustainability. These conversations emphasized the importance of preparing for the future while keeping workplace well-being a top priority.

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What’s Next?

This meeting showcased the value of open dialogue and collaboration in tackling the challenges of technology adoption in aviation. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the TARA Project aims to create tools and methods that ensure both safe and efficient integration of new technologies.

A big thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to these important discussions. We’re excited to keep building on this work and seeing where it takes us!

As Västra Götalandsregionen (VGR) embarks on the ambitious Millennium EHR project, it’s crucial to draw lessons from past large-scale implementations. A study by Morten Hertzum, Gunnar Ellingsen, and Åsa Cajander provides invaluable insights into the challenges and outcomes of introducing the Epic electronic health record (EHR) system in Denmark and Finland. This study holds significant relevance for VGR’s journey, especially given the concerns raised about Millennium’s implementation, as highlighted in this interview.

The Nordic Experience with Epic

The study focuses on two large-scale Epic implementations:

• Denmark: The system went live in 2016–2017 across 12 hospitals serving 2.6 million citizens.
• Finland: Starting in 2018, Epic was rolled out in the Helsinki-Uusimaa region, integrating healthcare and social care for 1.7 million people.

Despite extensive preparation, both implementations faced persistent challenges, including usability issues, productivity dips, and unmet expectations. Five years post-implementation, 32% of Danish users remained dissatisfied, while only 9.3% of Finnish physicians felt the system improved care quality.

Key Takeaways for the Millennium Implementation

1. Unmet Expectations: Both Danish and Finnish projects suffered from a gap between high pre-implementation hopes and post-implementation realities. The study emphasizes the importance of realistic goal-setting and proactive issue resolution.
2. Usability Matters: Poor interface design, unclear terminology, and excessive clicks plagued users, leading to frustration. These issues were often exacerbated by attempts to fit a U.S.-centric system into a Nordic healthcare model.
3. Long-Term Adaptation: Initial productivity dips lasted longer than anticipated, and resolving system issues required years, not months. Planning for extended adaptation is critical.
4. Workload Redistribution: Shifting documentation tasks to physicians without adequate support led to dissatisfaction. Any similar changes in Millennium need careful consideration.
5. Localized Customization: Balancing regional standardization with local needs is complex. Both Denmark and Finland struggled to find the right mix, leading to discontent among users.

The study underscores the importance of learning from past implementations to avoid repeating mistakes. These large implementation project must prioritize usability, realistic planning, and user-centered design to succeed where others have struggled. Transparent communication and adaptive strategies will be vital in navigating the complexities of a project of this scale.

For a deeper dive into the study, the full analysis is available in the International Journal of Medical Informatics.

In the digital age of healthcare, why do some patients engage with electronic health records (EHRs) while others opt out? A study led by Irene Muli with Åsa Cajander from HTO and others explore this question. Conducted seven years after Sweden introduced patient-accessible electronic health records (PAEHRs), the research reveals both progress and persistent gaps in adoption.

The study found that while 86% of patients were aware of PAEHRs, 23% chose not to read their records. Common reasons included feeling they didn’t need to or being satisfied with information from their doctor. Meanwhile, readers primarily sought a health overview or followed up on healthcare visits. A digital divide emerged, with older adults, single individuals, and those with lower information literacy less likely to engage, while smartphone access significantly increased use.

Key Takeaways for Healthcare Providers

Barriers like portal usability and digital literacy hinder PAEHR adoption. For healthcare professionals, simple actions—such as guiding patients during visits—can improve uptake. Targeted support for older or less tech-savvy patients is essential to ensure equitable access.

The Swedish experience highlights opportunities for other countries: usable portals, better training, and promoting the benefits of digital tools. By addressing these barriers, we can make healthcare more inclusive and empower all patients to take charge of their health.

To dive deeper, the full paper is accessible here.

The rapid digitalization of healthcare has created new opportunities for both patients and professionals. The ConnectMe project, a research initiative led by Uppsala University, aims to explore the potential of digital technologies in mental health care. This project focuses on the concept of Connected Mental Health and investigates how digital tools, such as video consultations, can influence the work environment for clinicians while providing flexible mental health services to patients.

Project Overview

Mental health challenges have been on the rise in Sweden, placing significant pressure on healthcare systems. In response to this growing demand, ConnectMe seeks to address the impact of telemedicine and other connected mental health solutions on the work-life flexibility of healthcare professionals, particularly in mental health contexts.

The project will explore three key areas:

1. Influence on Clinicians’ Work Environment: How connected mental health applications, such as video consultations, affect the daily experiences and working conditions of mental health professionals.
2. Comparisons Across Healthcare Contexts: Differences in the use and impact of these digital tools across various clinical settings, such as primary, secondary, and fully digital care environments.
3. Guidelines for Implementation: Recommendations for designing and implementing connected mental health solutions that support both flexible work environments and high-quality care for patients.

Methods and Data

To achieve these goals, the ConnectMe project will use a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative interviews with psychologists and psychiatrists, a national survey, and a Delphi study involving experts in the field. These methods will help gather insights into how different digital tools are being used, the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, and what needs to be improved to create more flexible and sustainable working conditions in mental health care.

The Importance of Flexibility

One of the driving forces behind the ConnectMe project is the need for flexibility in mental health care. Telemedicine, particularly in the form of video consultations, has been widely implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers potential benefits such as greater accessibility for patients and more flexible working conditions for clinicians. However, challenges remain, including the increased cognitive workload and stress associated with managing digital tools.

Through this project, the research team hopes to provide practical recommendations for ensuring that connected mental health tools enhance, rather than hinder, the work environment of clinicians. The findings will be used to develop guidelines that support a flexible and efficient use of digital technologies in mental healthcare.

Meet the ConnectMe Project Team

The ConnectMe project is led by a multidisciplinary team combining expertise in health informatics, software engineering, occupational health, and human-computer interaction. Together, they aim to improve flexibility in mental health care through connected technologies.

• Maria Hägglund, PhD (Project Leader): An associate professor in Health Informatics, Maria specializes in digital health innovations and implementation science. She leads the project, focusing on enhancing work-life flexibility for mental health professionals.
• Åsa Cajander, PhD: A professor of Human-Computer Interaction, Åsa researches the impact of digitalization on healthcare work environments, bringing crucial insights into how connected tools affect clinicians.
• Charlotte Blease, PhD: An associate professor in Health Informatics and Research Affiliate at Harvard Medical School, Charlotte contributes her expertise in digital psychiatry and ethics, focusing on the real-world impact of telemedicine.
• Sofia Ouhbi, PhD: An associate professor specializing in software engineering, Sofia ensures that connected health tools meet the needs of clinicians and patients, focusing on technical solutions for a flexible work environment.
• Magdalena Ramstedt Stadin, PhD: A postdoctoral researcher in occupational health, Magdalena explores how digitalization affects work-related stress and well-being, particularly in mental health settings.

Future Impact

The ConnectMe project aims to provide actionable insights that can be applied in both clinical settings and digital health policy. The recommendations from this project will contribute to the broader understanding of how digital tools can shape the future of mental health care, ensuring that both patients and clinicians can benefit from a more connected and flexible healthcare system.

As the project continues over the next three years, we will share more updates and findings that can inform the future design and implementation of digital mental health solutions.

For more information about the project: https://connectme.blog.uu.se/about-connectme/

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, workplaces, and education systems at an unprecedented pace. In response to this rapid evolution, the EDU-AI project was launched to explore and guide the integration of Generative AI into computing education. This initiative addresses questions about how AI impacts professional competencies, student learning experiences, and teaching practices.

In this blog post, we highlight key findings and ongoing research from EDU-AI, organized into four main areas of focus. These cover the influence of AI in the IT industry, students’ use of AI in their education, AI-driven teaching strategies, and comprehensive recommendations for future integration of AI into educational practices.

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AI’s Role in the IT Industry

One of the project’s major areas of focus is understanding how professionals in the IT industry engage with Generative AI. An extensive literature review on AI and human-computer interaction has been submitted for publication (Humble & Cajander, Submitted), alongside another study examining the environmental sustainability of AI (Humble & Mozelius, Submitted).

The project also involved interviews with over 50 professionals from Sweden and New Zealand, providing insight into how AI is reshaping their work. These findings have already been presented at international conferences, with additional publications forthcoming (Cajander et al., 2024). These contributions are vital to understanding AI’s evolving role in workplaces and its implications for computing education.

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Exploring Students’ Use of Generative AI

Another important focus is understanding how students perceive and utilize Generative AI in their educational journey. A focus group study will be conducted in the fall semester of 2024, involving Bachelor’s and Master’s level students in computer science.

A significant insight from the project so far is that while AI has the potential to support learning, it also raises concerns about student cognitive load. A study on this topic has been accepted for presentation at the Swedish Cognitive Science Society (SWECog 2024) conference (Humble & Mozelius, 2024). In addition, a study examining how students use AI in software engineering education was presented at the Conference on Software Engineering Education and Training (Yabaku & Ouhbi, 2024).

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Teaching with Generative AI

AI not only impacts students but is also transforming teaching methods. The project explores the perceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of integrating Generative AI into higher education. A manuscript on these findings is planned for submission in fall 2024.

This research is expected to offer valuable guidance for educators, helping them to effectively integrate AI tools into their curricula and prepare students for an AI-enhanced future.

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Synthesizing and Providing Recommendations

The final aspect of the project will synthesize all the findings from the previous areas and provide practical recommendations for adapting computing education in an AI-driven world. While this phase is set to begin later in 2024, it will play a crucial role in guiding educational institutions and policymakers as they adapt to the ongoing AI revolution.

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Publications and Presentations

Team members, including Niklas Humble, Åsa Cajander, Mats Daniels, Sofia Ouhbi and Lars-Åke Nordén have presented their research at industry events and academic conferences worldwide.

Here are some key publications:

Axelsson, A., Wallgren, D. T., Verma, U., Cajander, Å., Daniels, M., McDermott, R., & Eckerdal, A. (2024). From assistance to misconduct: Unpacking the complex role of generative AI in student learning. In Proceedings of the Frontiers in Education Conference 2024, Washington, DC.

Cajander, Å., Bergqvist, A., Clear, A., Clear, T., Daniels, M., Humble, N., Larusdottir, M., McDermott, R., Normark, M., & Ouhbi, S. (2024). AI and work engagement: A study of IT professionals through the lens of self-determination theory. Human-Work Interaction Design Conference, Milan, Italy.

Clear, T., Cajander, Å., Clear, A., McDermott, R., Bergqvist, A., Daniels, M., … & Zhu, T. (2024). A Plan for a Joint Study into the Impacts of AI on Professional Competencies of IT Professionals and Implications for Computing Students. In Proceedings of the 2024 on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education V. 2 (pp. 757-758).

Humble, N. & Mozelius, P. (Accepted). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Cognitive Load in Computing Education. The 19th conference of the Swedish Cognitive Science Society (SWECog 2024).

Yabaku, M. & Ouhbi, S. (2024). University Students’ Perception and Expectations of Generative AI tools for Software Engineering. Accepted in the 36th Conference on Software Engineering Education and Training (CSEE&T’24).

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for EDU-AI

As the EDU-AI project progresses, it continues to provide insights into the integration of AI in education and industry. Having started in the spring of 2024, this project is just getting underway, with more exciting findings and developments expected in the coming months.

Stay tuned for future updates as the research unfolds!

The digital transformation of healthcare has been a topic of significant global interest, with countries continuously exploring ways to enhance patient care and engagement. One of the most transformative initiatives in recent years has been the implementation of Open Notes, a system that grants patients direct access to their clinical records, including test results, diagnoses, and doctors’ notes. Sweden, a leader in digital healthcare innovations, has been at the forefront of this movement, navigating both technical and cultural challenges to provide patients with greater transparency and control over their health data.

A 20-Year Journey to Open Notes

The journey towards Open Notes in Sweden began in the 1990’s, when the region of Uppsala launched a project to provide patients with online access to their health records. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that all of Sweden’s 21 regions connected to the national Open Notes platform. This lengthy timeline underscores the complexity of the initiative, with regional variations in implementation strategies and differing approaches to balancing the needs of healthcare providers and patients.

According to the study, “Insights from the Implementation of Open Notes in Sweden”, published by Åsa Cajander, Hilde G. Corneliussen, Morten Hertzum, and Gunnar Ellingsen, the process of integrating Open Notes into the Swedish healthcare system has been both challenging and enlightening. The research focuses on the experiences of 14 project managers from five Swedish regions, providing valuable insights into the factors that shaped the project.

Balancing Transparency and Clinical Caution

At the core of the Open Notes initiative is the belief that providing patients with access to their health records promotes transparency, empowers patients, and leads to better healthcare outcomes. For patients with chronic conditions, the ability to access test results promptly is invaluable, allowing them to take a more active role in managing their health.

However, the study highlights that healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with patients accessing sensitive information. In psychiatric care, for example, there was apprehension that patients might misinterpret their records, leading to anxiety or distress. As one interviewee noted, “What will we do now when the patient gets this information? Will they get it before we do? I want to be able to explain to the patient what it means when they read it.”

Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment among project managers was that Open Notes had the potential to revolutionize patient care by fostering more open communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Managing Uncertainty and Conflict

The implementation process was not without its challenges. The project teams often encountered resistance from healthcare providers, who were initially hesitant about the changes. One participant described the journey as a dramatic shift, with healthcare providers moving “from almost being against… very resistant to opening up for new ideas.”

The study also revealed that the complexity of the implementation process was often underestimated. Technical issues, such as problems with communication protocols between local systems and the national platform, added to the difficulty of ensuring a smooth transition. Yet, through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, many of these conflicts were eventually resolved, leading to a more constructive and cooperative environment.

Lessons Learned and Future Directions

Sweden’s experience with Open Notes offers valuable lessons for other countries and healthcare systems looking to adopt similar initiatives. The key takeaway is that digital transformation in healthcare requires more than just technological solutions—it demands careful consideration of the cultural and professional dynamics within the healthcare sector.

For Open Notes to be successfully implemented, both healthcare providers and patients need to be prepared for the changes. This involves extensive training, risk analysis, and open communication to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned in their understanding of the system’s benefits and challenges.

In conclusion, while the implementation of Open Notes in Sweden was a complex and, at times, contentious process, the long-term benefits for patient empowerment and engagement are undeniable. As healthcare continues to evolve in the digital age, Sweden’s experience serves as a blueprint for how to navigate the intersection of technology, patient care, and professional practice.

You find the full paper here:

Cajander, Å., Corneliussen, H. G., Hertzum, M., & Ellingsen, G. (2024). Insights from the Implementation of Open Notes in Sweden. In Digital Health and Informatics Innovations for Sustainable Health Care Systems (pp. 105-109). IOS Press.

Being a research leader presents continuous challenges and opportunities for personal development. As the leader of the HTO group, consisting of around 15 researchers, and as an Advisor to the Vice Chancellor on Equal opportunities, I find myself in a position to influence both research and the work environment at Uppsala University.

Challenges and the Pursuit of Improvement

Every week, I face new challenges as a leader. Navigating complex research projects, managing diverse personalities, and maintaining an inclusive and productive work environment requires constant attention and adaptation. There is always more to learn!

Clear Leadership: My Next Phase of Development

In 2025, I will participate in the Clear Leadership course, organized by Uppsala University. This four-day program is designed for leaders who, like me, aim to achieve results together with others and create sustainable collaborative relationships. The course offers opportunities for leading in a learning-oriented manner, and I am glad to develop my ability to communicate clearly, understand people better, and create a work environment where knowledge and potential can flourish.

Clear Leadership was developed by Dr. Gervase Bushe in Vancouver, Canada. The concept was introduced to Sweden in 2004 and has quickly become one of the most appreciated and significant leadership programs offered. The program is only conducted by licensed instructors.

The program promises to equip me with tools to:

• Lead using my personal qualities.
• Increase my self-awareness and understand my reactions.
• Enhance my communication skills.
• Create clarity in collaborations.
• Implement a model for increased learning within the organization.

Participating in Clear Leadership is not only a step in personal development but also a way to strengthen the HTO group and our collective pursuit of excellence. I hope to use the knowledge and insights gained to build even stronger relationships within my team and create a more inspiring and productive work environment.

The HTO (Human-Technology-Organization) research group is thrilled to announce our involvement in organizing the NordiCHI 2024 conference, set to take place in Uppsala. This prestigious event, renowned for advancing research and innovation in human-computer interaction, will bring together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from around the world.

About NordiCHI 2024

NordiCHI, the Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, is a biennial event that serves as a platform for sharing the latest research findings, technological advancements, and best practices in the field of human-computer interaction. The 2024 edition promises to continue this tradition, offering a diverse range of sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations.

HTO Group’s Contribution

Our research group is deeply committed to contributing to the success of NordiCHI 2024. We are actively involved in various organizational aspects, including: We are actively involved in various organizational roles, ensuring a memorable conference experience:

1. Conference Chairs: Åsa Cajander, HTO and Uppsala University, is leading the overall organization of the conference.
2. Local Chairs: Magdalena Stadin, HTO and Uppsala University, is managing local arrangements, from venue coordination to participant logistics.
3. Critique Track Chairs: Maria Normark and Jessica Lindblom, HTO and Uppsala University, are leading the critique track, providing a platform for critical discussions and feedback on research work.
4. Sponsor Chair: Rebecca Cort, HTO and Uppsala University, is responsible for securing sponsorships and fostering partnerships that enhance the conference experience.

Why Attend NordiCHI 2024?

1. Innovative Research: Discover the latest advancements and research findings in human-computer interaction.
2. Networking Opportunities: Connect with leading academics, industry professionals, and fellow researchers.
3. Inspiring Sessions: Participate in sessions that challenge current thinking and inspire new ideas.
4. Uppsala’s Charm: Experience the historical and cultural richness of Uppsala, a vibrant city known for its academic excellence and scenic beauty.

Join Us

We invite you to join us at NordiCHI 2024 in Uppsala. Whether you are a seasoned researcher, a beginner and practitioner, or simply passionate about human-computer interaction, this conference offers a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with peers, and contribute to the future of HCI.

For more details about the conference, visit the NordiCHI 2024 website.

We look forward to seeing you in Uppsala!