A Qualitative Observational Study in Pediatric ICUs: The Use of Handsfree Device for Interruptions. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Yushi; Rivera, A. Joy
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society ... Annual Meeting. Volume 60:Part 1(2016)
• Page Start: 891
• Page End: 895
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Human engineering -- Congresses; 620.8205
• DOI: 10.1177/1541931213601203
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1541-9312

Abstract

Handsfree Communication Devices (HCDs) provide healthcare providers with an efficient way to communicate. However, they create new pathways for interruptions. The aim of this study is to understand how nurses use HCDs for interruptions from a systems perspective. Five Registered Nurses (RNs) in pediatric Intensive Care Units (ICU) were shadowed for a total of 15 hours. Fourteen interruptions mediated by HCDs were recorded and coded based on the identified themes. Results show that both interrupters and interruptees have to make decisions in the way of communicating with other people using HCDs. However, there is no standard way of making the choice, creating opportunities for medical errors. Based on this understanding, we propose several work system design recommendations at different levels.