A structured approach to requirements gathering creation using PaJMa Models

The process of preparation for request for proposals for health information systems typically results in missed opportunities for improvements due to the technical focus of traditional requirements gathering processes. The increased integration of health care systems between wards and external supporting agencies, reliance on professional practice guidelines, and needs for cultural sensitivities requires a specialized method for requirements gathering. We explore the use of a patient journey modeling approach (PaJMa) to requirements gathering using a case study of Whitby Mental Health Center. The improvement of the PaJMa models in increasing the level of detail of requirements, inclusion of nonfunctional requirements, and the identification of required practices, policies, and metrics demonstrate a superior method for requirements gathering in health care.