Translational Projects (Open Access)
Graduation Date
Summer 2025
Degree Name
Doctorate in Health Informatics (DHI)
School Name
McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics at UTHealth Houston
Advisory Committee
Debora Simmons, PhD
Abstract
When implemented effectively, data displays can enhance interpretive decisions by helping physicians recognize patterns and relationships within various datasets. Data visualization has been widely studied for its role in converting raw data into actionable insights and supporting data-driven decision-making. However, few studies have been published that specifically explored using data displays to aid in interpreting coagulasenegative Staphylococcus (CoNS) in blood cultures.
One of the primary challenges infectious disease physicians face when interpreting CoNS in blood cultures is the disorganized nature of clinical data within electronic health records. The information necessary for accurate interpretation is often scattered across various sections of the electronic health record, making it cumbersome for physicians to promptly access all necessary data. This disarray necessitates navigating multiple screens to gather relevant data and information, delaying patient care and resulting in longer durations of antibiotic treatment, extended length-of-stay, increased cost of care, and higher rates of mortality for patients.
Recognizing the importance of timely and accessible data for effective patient care, this project explored the potential of data displays to enhance the interpretive process. Using think-aloud protocols and card-sorting techniques, workflows utilized by infectious disease physicians were captured. The findings of this study informed three key recommendations for a leveraging data display to enhance the interpretive process. These recommendations address the identification of essential data elements required for accurate interpretation, the prioritization of these data elements, and the optimal arrangement of data on display for effective interpretation. Additionally, the findings revealed that infectious disease physicians do not utilize one captured data element, a reporting requirement, in the interpretive process.
Recommended Citation
Barrett,, Miriam Booker, "Enhancing Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus Interpretation: Leveraging Data Visualization to Improve Diagnostic Accuracy and Patient Outcomes" (2025). Translational Projects (Open Access). 17.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthsbmi_dhi_dissertations/17
Keywords
bacteremia, blood culture, blood culture contamination, coagulasenegative staphylococcus, fever, interpretation, time-to-positivity