Using SEIPS for digital health interventions: A scoping review
Tracks
Room 1
| Monday, November 30, 2026 |
| 2:50 PM - 3:10 PM |
| Plenary Room - Grand Central |
Overview
Dr Ann Carrigan
Speaker
Dr Ann Carrigan
University of Sydney
Using SEIPS for digital health interventions: A scoping review
Abstract
Background and Aim
Digital health interventions (DHI) are frequently experienced as poorly integrated systems that contribute to inefficiencies, user frustration, and patient safety risks. The Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework provides a comprehensive, Human Factors-based approach that considers the complex interactions among people, technology, tasks, environment, and organisational factors, the work system processes and outcomes. Although the theoretical framework of SEIPS has been applied to understand the complex sociotechnical challenges of DHIs, no comprehensive synthesis exists mapping how this framework has been operationalised across different technologies, contexts, and methodologies.
This review aimed to map the characteristics and application of SEIPS for DHIs, its benefits, effectiveness and usability.
Methods
Following PRISMA guidelines and JBI methodology, four databases were searched in July 2025 without date limits. Studies examining SEIPS benefits, effectiveness and usability across any DHI lifecycle stage (design, implementation, evaluation) were included. Findings were synthesised using a narrative approach and the protocol was registered with Open Science Framework (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/RJCU4).
Results
Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria. SEIPS 2.0 was the model most frequently reported (n=18) and predominantly used for evaluation of DHIs (n=18), with minimal use for design (n=3) or implementation (n=1). SEIPS was applied across diverse technologies, including computerised order entry and clinical decision support. Studies focused on work system elements, identifying sociotechnical barriers such as usability issues, and fewer examined interactions, processes or outcomes. SEIPS was reported to be flexible and effective for examining work systems and processes.
Discussion and implications
SEIPS has been predominantly used for evaluating systemic factors influencing safety and outcomes across a range of DHIs. However, its limited application during design and implementation, and the underutilisation of SEIPS 3.0 represents an opportunity, particularly given the rapid integration of DHIs, often undertaken without sufficient end-user involvement and a person-centred emphasis.
Digital health interventions (DHI) are frequently experienced as poorly integrated systems that contribute to inefficiencies, user frustration, and patient safety risks. The Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework provides a comprehensive, Human Factors-based approach that considers the complex interactions among people, technology, tasks, environment, and organisational factors, the work system processes and outcomes. Although the theoretical framework of SEIPS has been applied to understand the complex sociotechnical challenges of DHIs, no comprehensive synthesis exists mapping how this framework has been operationalised across different technologies, contexts, and methodologies.
This review aimed to map the characteristics and application of SEIPS for DHIs, its benefits, effectiveness and usability.
Methods
Following PRISMA guidelines and JBI methodology, four databases were searched in July 2025 without date limits. Studies examining SEIPS benefits, effectiveness and usability across any DHI lifecycle stage (design, implementation, evaluation) were included. Findings were synthesised using a narrative approach and the protocol was registered with Open Science Framework (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/RJCU4).
Results
Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria. SEIPS 2.0 was the model most frequently reported (n=18) and predominantly used for evaluation of DHIs (n=18), with minimal use for design (n=3) or implementation (n=1). SEIPS was applied across diverse technologies, including computerised order entry and clinical decision support. Studies focused on work system elements, identifying sociotechnical barriers such as usability issues, and fewer examined interactions, processes or outcomes. SEIPS was reported to be flexible and effective for examining work systems and processes.
Discussion and implications
SEIPS has been predominantly used for evaluating systemic factors influencing safety and outcomes across a range of DHIs. However, its limited application during design and implementation, and the underutilisation of SEIPS 3.0 represents an opportunity, particularly given the rapid integration of DHIs, often undertaken without sufficient end-user involvement and a person-centred emphasis.
Biography
Dr Carrigan is a Senior Research Fellow within the Digital Health Human Factors Group at the University of Sydney.
With a PhD in cognitive science and qualifications in psychology, sonography, and radiography she brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to health services research. She currently leads a co-designed, mixed-methods project to develop, implement, and evaluate a best-practice virtual model of care for aged care residents and general practitioners.
Ann is an experienced mixed-methods researcher who works across diverse health settings and populations including emergency clinicians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and older adults. Her expertise in human factors, specifically understanding and improving work systems to support providers, patients and consumers is widely recognised with several invitations to collaborative on projects in contexts such as emergency care.
