In NTUH, the number of function linkages is numerous, over 300. Moreover, in the previous
portal, the links are not classified. It is not easy to scroll and select the target links. After
reviewing existing function links, we classify 7 groups and establish a hierarchical, dropdown
navigation menu as shown at top row of Figure 3. Each sub-tree or branch of the
hierarchical classification rooted at the portal represents a major subject area such as clinical
care, patient care, health services administration, research, and teaching. In here, the groups
are categorized into: HIS, Healthcare Supporting Services (HSS), Administrative
Information System (AIS), Digital Learning (DL), Information Security (IS), Personal Data
Management (PDM), and Other Resources (OR).
HIS and HSS involve most healthcare associated services. In HIS, it includes the major
healthcare information services, e.g., Registration, Ward, Laboratory, Pathology, Pharmacy,
and Billing. Medical Report Review Services, Critical Healthcare Alerts, and IC card tools
are classified in the HSS group. The AIS consists of Human Resources, Accounting, and
Medicine Inventory. The DL contains: educational instructions, discussion forums,
questionnaires, as well as on-line exams. Secured, classified documents and materials are
stored in IS. It provides privacy and security. Users’ personal information functions are
maintained in PDM group. These functions include personal password, e-mails, and control
access. Finally, the other administrative information is preserved in OR group, e.g.,
A Dynamic Healthcare Portal Design and Enhancements 37
individual department home pages as well as announcements. Based on the classification,
the NTUH users can operate the portal intuitively and effectively.
Fig. 3. Hierarchical drop-down navigation menus