Facilitating participation in formative evaluation supported by effect map

It has been suggested that formative evaluation should be an integrated part of system implementation in order to improve the outcome of system use. In a design project an approach combining participatory design (PD) and formative evaluation has shown a great potential for improving the design of large and complex systems. Thus, the aim of the study is to experiment with how PD combined with formative evaluation may improve the implementation and use of large and complex systems within the healthcare sector. This resulted in a participatory formative evaluation approach supported by a self designed effect map. The purpose of the effect map is twofold: a) To encourage user participation in the early activities of formative evaluation b) The effects specified can be used as formative evaluation measures and guidance in the process of improving the system. The evaluation approach and the effect map is applied in an action research study in the Danish health care sector aiming at improving the medication process and the use of the electronic medication record supporting the medication process.