Toward a framework for computer-mediated collaborative design in medical informatics

The development and implementation of enabling tools and methods that provi de ready access to knowledge and information are among the central goals of medical informatics. The need for multi-institutional collaboration in the development of such tools and methods is increasingly being recognized. Co llaboration involves communication, which typically involves individuals wh o work together at the same location. With the evolution of electronic moda lities for communication, we seek to understand the role that such technolo gies can play in supporting collaboration, especially when the participants are geographically separated. Using the InterMed Collaboratory as a subjec t of study, we have analyzed their activities as an exercise in computer- a nd network-mediated collaborative design. We report on the cognitive, socio cultural, and logistical issues encountered when scientists from diverse or ganizations a nd backgrounds use communications technologies while designin g and implementing shared products. Results demonstrate that it is importan t to match carefully the content with the mode of communication, identifyin g, for example, suitable uses of E-mail, conference calls, and face-to-face meetings. The special role of leaders in guiding and facilitating the grou p activities can also be seen, regardless of the communication setting in w hich the interactions occur. Most important is the proper use of technology to support the evolution of a shared vision of group goals and methods, an element that is clearly necessary before successful collaborative designs can proceed.