Development and content validation of a quantitative informatics framework for hardware assessment in health information systems

Inefficient hardware configuration in Health Information Systems (HIS) is a global informatics challenge that undermines healthcare delivery. This study designed and content-validated a novel quantitative hardware assessment framework to enable systematic hardware evaluation. We developed an informatics-driven framework through a methodological study in 2024. Initial items were derived from a scoping literature review and expert input from computer engineering. Content validity was assessed using Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Index (CVI). Inter-rater reliability was evaluated via Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) across 122 identical computers. The final framework comprises 23 items across three domains. A quantitative scoring model (0–150 points) was established, demonstrating excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.87). The tool effectively differentiates between obsolete (score < 50), marginal (50–80), and optimal (> 80) configurations, providing IT managers with a clear upgrade priority map. This study presents a development and content validation of a reliable and content-valid informatics framework that bridges hardware assessment with system performance evaluation. Predictive validity against real-world HIS performance metrics (e.g., login time, response latency, freeze frequency) has not yet been empirically tested and remains a critical next step.