Reflections from the Medical Informatics Europe (MIE) 2026 conference
At the MIE conference 2026, in Genova, Italy, our team actively participated with one paper and two workshops.
The paper, authored by Maedeh Ghorbanian Zolbin and Sari Kujala, focused on evaluating the usability of a patient portal (Maisa): insights from older migrant adults (+55).
Usability testing was conducted with six migrants with an Arabic background. Data were collected using think-aloud and observation methods, complemented by semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed several usability issues that this user group may encounter when using Maisa. Based on these findings, the study recommends design guidelines aimed at addressing the identified issues and improving the overall user experience of Maisa.
Presenting this study at the MIE conference, sharing the results, and discussing them with international scholars in the field was a valuable experience. It also motivated us to continue conducting similar studies with larger sample sizes and other digital health platforms.
Moreover, Sari Kujala was part of the organizing team for two workshops at the conference:
(1) Integrating AI Tools into Health Informatics Research: Analyzing Qualitative Data with AI Tools. This workshop focused on the use of AI tools in qualitative data analysis. The discussion aimed to raise awareness of both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI-assisted research. Participants shared their experiences and expressed concerns regarding the potential misuse of AI in research. At the same time, the workshop highlighted how AI can support and facilitate research processes when used responsibly and in accordance with ethical principles.
(2) Developing Usable Patient-Oriented Systems and Human-Centered AI: User Journey and Process Mapping. In this workshop, Sari presented and facilitated discussions on several topics related to the use of AI in healthcare. Key issues included challenges associated with data availability and quality, as well as concerns regarding transparency and trust. The discussion also emphasized that AI-based solutions should be integrated into healthcare professionals’ workflows in ways that support their work rather than add to their workload.
Overall, participating in the MIE conference provided us with an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the field, engage in discussions with fellow researchers, and build new international networks.
Read the article: “Evaluating the Usability of a Patient Portal: Insights from Older Migrant Adults” IOS Press Ebooks - Evaluating the Usability of a Patient Portal: Insights from Older Migrant Adults (Link outside this page)
Read more about conference: EFMI MIE2026 (Link outside this page)
Text: Maedeh Ghorbanian Zolbin/Aalto University
Show other posts from this blog
Pohdintoja the Medical Informatics Europe (MIE) 2026 -konferenssista
Ryhmämme osallistui aktiivisesti MIE 2026 -konferenssiin Genovassa, Italiassa yhdellä artikkelilla ja kahdella työpajalla.
Tutkimusvierailu oli arvokas oppimiskokemus, joka toi uutta näkökulmaa väitöskirjaan
Sari Kujalan tutkimusryhmässä vieraili väitöskirjatutkija Michelle Bindel UMIT TIROLista, Hallista, Tirolista, Itävallasta.
The research visit was a valuable learning experience – new perspectives to the thesis
Sari Kujala’s group had a research visitor, PhD student Michelle Bindel from the Private University For Health Sciences and Health Technology in Hall, Austria.