Feedback, Iterative Software Development, and the Time-Off Module

Adam Courchesne,

Development Intern

Our web application was recently upgraded to include a much-anticipated time-off module. In this new feature, admin users can create leave categories (i.e. vacation time, sick leave, etc.), and physician users can request time off, with or without approval needed. Once leave requests are approved, schedulers are made aware so they can incorporate the time off into the schedule build. But what happens if a physician asks for time off when they’ve already been scheduled? Well, we didn’t think of that.

How we approach the development of our application

The MetricAid web application is developed using an iterative design process. This means that once we release a feature, our development team will iterate on the feature to better meet your needs. We let you live in it, then use your feedback to adapt in a way that optimizes the service we provide; daily, our development team works to improve your user experience. Something we love about this process is that it helps us bridge the gap between what we think you want and what you actually want.

Because of this design approach, our time-off module has been adapted so that now, when you approve time off, a number of actions can be taken if the physician is already scheduled. You can choose not to take action, you can clear the provider from the slot, or you can clear the provider from the slot and then post it as a giveaway. Alternatively, you can immediately change the provider on the slot to another one who is available to work.

For more information on the time-off module or to learn more about our design processes and to provide feedback, please feel free to contact support@metricaid.com. The slideshow down below also shows how you can use these adaptations.

Yours truly,

Adam