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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2014 Jul 1.
Published in final edited form as: Int J Med Inform. 2013 Apr 30;82(7):565–579. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2013.03.007

Table I.

Classification criteria for HSH/HCH evidence

Required Criteria and Details
EMERGING

  • Has face validity

  • Includes formative evaluation data that makes statements about improvements of the technology

  • Tested with older adult participants

  • Minimum sample size: n ≥ 1

  • Must include informatics study types Laboratory Function, Laboratory User Effect, Field Function or Field User Effect (Laboratory types are more likely than Field types)

  • Often will be a technology trial

PROMISING

  • Technology is well-tested and beyond the stage of early prototyping

  • Includes summative evaluation data that makes judgments about the strengths and weaknesses of the technology

  • Must include older participants in a natural setting (such as a field site or longitudinal “living laboratory”)

  • Sample size: n ≥ 10

  • Results inform theory but sample size is not large enough to allow for statistical hypothesis testing for any parameter

  • Must include informatics study types: Field Function and Field User Effect (both)

  • Likely will use descriptive study design and may use correlational or comparative study design

EFFECTIVE (FIRST TIER)

  • Demonstrates potential for transferability (external validity), by describing the relative effectiveness of the technology in the current setting

  • Tested with older adults in the context of their homes or normal living activities

  • Reports potential side benefits or harms (unintended consequences)

  • Sample size is large enough to allow for statistical hypothesis testing for at least one parameter

  • Should be based on a theoretical framework

  • Must include informatics study types Field Function, Field User Effect and Problem Impact (all)

  • Uses comparative study design

EFFECTIVE (SECOND TIER)

  • Demonstrates transferability by describing the effectiveness of deployment in a different setting

  • Has been deployed multiple times with older adults as participants in the context of their homes or normal living activities

  • Based on a theoretical framework

  • Discusses costs and cost-effectiveness of deployment in different settings

  • Must include informatics study types Field Function, Field User Effect and Problem Impact (all)

  • Uses comparative study design