Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
4.3.1 Sa requirements analysis
SA requirements are defined as those dynamic information needs associated
with the major goals or subgoals of the operator in performing his or her job.
These critical SA requirements can be identified utilizing a Goal-Directed
Task Analysis (GDTA), a unique form of cognitive task analysis that involves
conducting extensive knowledge elicitation sessions with domain subject
matter experts (for a detailed description of this methodology, see Endsley,
Bolte, and Jones 2003). The objective of the GDTA is to identify the major goals
and decisions that drive performance in a particular job or position as well as
to delineate the critical, dynamic information requirements associated with
each goal and decision. Figures 4.3 and 4.4 illustrate a hypothetical example of
what a portion of a GDTA for health professionals working in the biosurveil-
lance domain might look like. Figure 4.3 shows examples of important top-
level goals, and Figure 4.4 illustrates some of the information requirements at
each of the three levels of SA for Goal 1.0 “Ensure earliest possible detection of
bio events.” A complete GDTA is much more comprehensive and detailed.
To support these goals, an effective biosurveillance system needs to synthe-
size the information available to provide an accurate common picture of the
situation for all health professionals who will access and use such a system,
thereby ensuring shared SA across all individuals involved. However, one
0.0 Ensure Timely and Efficient Response to Disease Outbreak
1.0
Ensure earliest possible
detection of bio events
2.0
Identify significant bio
events
3.0
Determine appropriate
response to bio events
1.1
Perceive all significant
automated alarms/
indicators
2.1
Determine agent
involved
3.1
Assess current readiness
2.2
Determine criticality
of event
3.2
Assess possible
interventions/responses
1.2
Assess validity of
alarm/indicator
1.3
Exchange critical
information about
alarm/indicator
2.2.1
Assess possible
spreading
2.2.2
Assess impact of the
event
Figure 4.3
Hypothetical example of portion of a GDTA for the biosurveillance domain.
