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Santos CN, Pedrosa BF, Martins M, Gouveia F, Franco F, Vardasca MJ, Pedro B, Nogueira JD. Interruptions during general practice consultations: negative impact on physicians, and patients' indifference. Fam Pract 2024; 41:494-500. [PMID: 36409278 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmac129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interruptions can impact consultation duration, doctors and patients' satisfaction, and quality of care provided. Although most of them seem to have a negative impact, affecting doctor-patient relationship and interfering with clinical reasoning, which increases the risk of error, there is still no evidence on their global impact on consultations. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the number and duration of interruptions during general practice consultations. To compare physicians and patients' perceptions of their urgency and impact, as well as the overall satisfaction with the consultation. METHODS Cross-sectional study of a representative sample of annual face-to-face general practice consultations at a Health Centre. Between January and March 2022, anonymous questionnaires were given to physicians and patients after consultation. We performed a descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 403 consultations were included. Physicians reported more interruptions than patients (108 vs. 87, P < 0.001). From patients' perspective those interruptions were more urgent (34.5%) compared with physicians' perspective (20.6%; P = 0.029). Patients undervalued their impact on consultations (7.1% of interruptions with a negative impact among patients vs. 24.7% among doctors; P < 0.001). Interruptions did not interfere with patients' satisfaction with consultation (P = 0.135) but were associated with lower physicians' satisfaction with consultation (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION Physicians are more critical regarding consultations interruptions, being more aware of their incidence and reporting more often a negative impact, which translates into lower satisfaction with interrupted consultations. Patients devalue the occurrence of interruptions, showing no concern about their impact on security or privacy, and their satisfaction is not affected by them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fábio Gouveia
- USF Ramada, ACeS Loures-Odivelas-ARSLVT, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fátima Franco
- USF Ramada, ACeS Loures-Odivelas-ARSLVT, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Bernardo Pedro
- USF Ramada, ACeS Loures-Odivelas-ARSLVT, Lisboa, Portugal
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Herzog D, Scavelli CN. Obstructive myocardial infarction with normal automated ECG interpretation: A case report. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 79:232.e1-232.e3. [PMID: 38521713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Emergency Medicine physicians experience a significant number of interruptions throughout their work day. One common cause of interruptions is the immediate interpretation of triage electrocardiograms (ECGs). Recent studies have suggested that ECGs interpreted as normal via automated analysis by the ECG machine rarely require urgent cardiac intervention and suggested that providers may not have to be interrupted to interpret these "normal" ECGs. We describe the case of a patient who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with chest pain and an ECG interpreted as normal by an automated reading from the ECG machine, despite having acute coronary syndrome requiring emergent intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Herzog
- Department of Emergency Medicine, NYU Langone Hospital - Long Island, 259 1st Street, Mineola, NY 11501, United States of America.
| | - Christopher N Scavelli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, NYU Langone Hospital - Long Island, 259 1st Street, Mineola, NY 11501, United States of America.
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Ziegler C, Parikh PJ. Interruptions in a dental setting and evaluating the efficacy of an intervention: A pilot study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296677. [PMID: 38573896 PMCID: PMC10994382 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interruptions during dental treatment are frequent, and often impact provider satisfaction and processing times We investigate the source and duration of such interruptions at a German dental clinic. METHODS A pre-post approach was adopted at this dental clinic. This included direct observations of 3 dentists and 3 dental hygienists, and a survey of providers. Following that, an intervention (switchable 'Do Not Enter' sign) was chosen, and a pilot study was conducted to evaluate if the chosen intervention can reduce processing time and improve provider satisfaction. Additional observations and surveys were performed afterwards. RESULTS Pre-intervention data indicated that interruptions have the highest negative impact on provider satisfaction at this clinic as well as on processing time during longer and more complex treatments, where a minor error due to an interruption could lead to rework of 30 minutes and more. The total number of interruptions dropped by 72.5% after the intervention, short interruptions (< 1min) by 86%. Provider survey indicated improvement due to the intervention in perceived workload, provider work satisfaction, patient safety and stress. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that a switchable sign can substantially reduce the number of interruptions in this dental clinic. It also shows the potential of improving the work environment by reducing interruptions to the dental providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Ziegler
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States of America
| | - Pratik J. Parikh
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States of America
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Goebel M, Westafer LM, Ayala SA, Ragone E, Chapman SJ, Mohammed MR, Cohen MR, Niemann JT, Eckstein M, Sanko S, Bosson N. A Novel Algorithm for Improving the Prehospital Diagnostic Accuracy of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Prehosp Disaster Med 2024; 39:37-44. [PMID: 38047380 PMCID: PMC10922545 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x23006635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early detection of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) on the prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) improves patient outcomes. Current software algorithms optimize sensitivity but have a high false-positive rate. The authors propose an algorithm to improve the specificity of STEMI diagnosis in the prehospital setting. METHODS A dataset of prehospital ECGs with verified outcomes was used to validate an algorithm to identify true and false-positive software interpretations of STEMI. Four criteria implicated in prior research to differentiate STEMI true positives were applied: heart rate <130, QRS <100, verification of ST-segment elevation, and absence of artifact. The test characteristics were calculated and regression analysis was used to examine the association between the number of criteria included and test characteristics. RESULTS There were 44,611 cases available. Of these, 1,193 were identified as STEMI by the software interpretation. Applying all four criteria had the highest positive likelihood ratio of 353 (95% CI, 201-595) and specificity of 99.96% (95% CI, 99.93-99.98), but the lowest sensitivity (14%; 95% CI, 11-17) and worst negative likelihood ratio (0.86; 95% CI, 0.84-0.89). There was a strong correlation between increased positive likelihood ratio (r2 = 0.90) and specificity (r2 = 0.85) with increasing number of criteria. CONCLUSIONS Prehospital ECGs with a high probability of true STEMI can be accurately identified using these four criteria: heart rate <130, QRS <100, verification of ST-segment elevation, and absence of artifact. Applying these criteria to prehospital ECGs with software interpretations of STEMI could decrease false-positive field activations, while also reducing the need to rely on transmission for physician over-read. This can have significant clinical and quality implications for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mat Goebel
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School – Baystate, Department of Emergency Medicine, Springfield, Massachusetts USA
| | - Lauren M. Westafer
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School – Baystate, Department of Emergency Medicine, Springfield, Massachusetts USA
| | - Stephanie A. Ayala
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School – Baystate, Department of Emergency Medicine, Springfield, Massachusetts USA
| | - El Ragone
- Fairview Hospital, Emergency Department, Barrington, Massachusetts USA
| | - Scott J. Chapman
- Belchertown Fire Rescue, Belchertown, Massachusetts USA
- Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, Massachusetts USA
| | | | - Marc R. Cohen
- Los Angeles City Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services Bureau, Los Angeles, California USA
| | - James T. Niemann
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California USA
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Torrance, California USA
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California USA
| | - Marc Eckstein
- Los Angeles City Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services Bureau, Los Angeles, California USA
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Department of Emergency Medicine, Los Angeles, California USA
| | - Stephen Sanko
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Department of Emergency Medicine, Los Angeles, California USA
- Los Angeles County EMS Agency, Los Angeles, California USA
| | - Nichole Bosson
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California USA
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Torrance, California USA
- Los Angeles County EMS Agency, Los Angeles, California USA
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Bosch SJ, Valipoor S, Alakshendra A, De Portu G, Mohammadigorji S, Rittenbacher D, Black K, Calienes E. Coping and Caregiving: Leveraging Environmental Design to Moderate Stress Among Healthcare Workers in the Emergency Department Setting. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2023; 16:261-277. [PMID: 36727220 DOI: 10.1177/19375867231151243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to exposure to overwhelming work stressors, approximately half of emergency department (ED) physicians and nurses experience burnout, leading to lower productivity, lower quality of care, higher risk of medical errors, higher rates of absenteeism, and eventually turnover. Growing evidence suggests that the physical environment can be leveraged to support healthcare workers' well-being. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify (1) self-care behaviors that healthcare workers engage in to help them cope with job-related stress, (2) where they engage in those behaviors, (3) attributes of the built environment that may support coping behaviors. METHODS A mixed-methods study was conducted in three EDs, using online questionnaires (n = 85) and interviews (n = 20). RESULTS Job-related stress was derived from interruptions, workload and inability to take breaks, insufficient workspace, lack of privacy, unpredictability of EDs, and security concerns. Talking with a colleague, getting something to eat or drink, listening to music, and taking a walk were considered destressing activities. The bathroom was considered a place for destressing by the majority of participants, followed by outside areas, physician-only areas, and care team stations. Supportive environmental features included sufficient workspace, maximized privacy, reduced noise and clutter, controlled temperature and lighting, spaces for decompressing, spaces for documentation, close-by breakrooms with enough eating space and massage chairs, chairs with back support, standing desks, food options, and convenient bathrooms. CONCLUSIONS Design decisions play an important role in supporting stress reduction among healthcare workers. This study provides several strategies to achieve this aim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila J Bosch
- Department of Interior Design, College of Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Shabboo Valipoor
- Department of Interior Design, College of Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Abhinav Alakshendra
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Giuliano De Portu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Soheyla Mohammadigorji
- The Family, Interiors, Nutrition & Apparel Department, College of Health & Social Sciences, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dagmar Rittenbacher
- Department of Interior Design, College of Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Karla Black
- Department of Interior Design, College of Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Calienes
- Department of Interior Design, College of Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Saidinejad M, Barata I, Foster A, Ruttan TK, Waseem M, Holtzman DK, Benjamin LS, Shahid S, Berg K, Wallin D, Atabaki SM, Joseph MM. The role of telehealth in pediatric emergency care. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2023; 4:e12952. [PMID: 37124475 PMCID: PMC10131292 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2006, the Institute of Medicine published a report titled "Emergency Care for Children: Growing Pains," in which it described pediatric emergency care as uneven at best. Since then, telehealth has emerged as one of the great equalizers in care of children, particularly for those in rural and underresourced communities. Clinicians in these settings may lack pediatric-specific specialization or experience in caring for critically ill or injured children. Telehealth consultation can provide timely and safe management for many medical problems in children and can prevent many unnecessary and often long transport to a pediatric center while avoiding delays in care, especially for time-sensitive and acute interventions. Telehealth is an important component of pediatric readiness of hospitals and is a valuable tool in facilitating health care access in low resourced and critical access areas. This paper provides an overview of meaningful applications of telehealth programs in pediatric emergency medicine, discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these services, and highlights challenges in setting up, adopting, and maintaining telehealth services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Saidinejad
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor UCLATorranceCaliforniaUSA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Isabel Barata
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/NorthwellNorthwell HealthManhassetNew YorkUSA
| | - Ashley Foster
- Harvard Medical SchoolMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Muhammad Waseem
- Lincoln Medical CenterBronxNew YorkUSA
- Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Lee S. Benjamin
- Trinity Health St. Joseph Medical CenterAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Sam Shahid
- American College of Emergency PhysiciansIrvingTexasUSA
| | - Kathleen Berg
- Dell Medical School at the University of TexasAustinTexasUSA
| | - Dina Wallin
- University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Shireen M. Atabaki
- The George Washington University, School of MedicineChildren's National HospitalWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
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Milton J, M Gillespie B, Åberg D, Erichsen Andersson A, Oxelmark L. Interprofessional teamwork before and after organizational change in a tertiary emergency department: An observational study. J Interprof Care 2023; 37:300-311. [PMID: 35703726 DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2022.2065250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In healthcare settings, suboptimal interprofessional teamwork and communication contribute to unsafe care and avoidable harm. Interprofessional teamwork is essential in high-risk clinical areas such as the emergency department (ED). The aims of this study were to describe interprofessional teamwork in a hospital ED and to evaluate factors influencing interprofessional communication before and after implementation of a department-wide multifaceted intervention. Structured observations were undertaken during 2015/16 and 2019. Differences in interprofessional communication practices, teamwork, and sources of interruptions were compared before and after the intervention. The following domains were surveilled: (a) healthcare professionals (HCPs) communication initiatives, (b) HCPs' contribution to patient assessment, (c) interprofessional communication processes, and (d) team interruptions. The intervention included strategies to enable use of communication tools, changes to team structures, changes in work environment, ethical principles, and establishment of a code of professional conduct during interprofessional communication. Team interruptions significantly decreased post-intervention, and our findings suggest that organizational changes affect domains of teamwork. Statistically significant differences were observed in the initiated communication pre-intervention and contribution to patient assessment significantly increased post-intervention. Multifaceted organizational interventions can positively affect interprofessional team communication and work-flow in the ED, thus patient safety and quality of care can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Milton
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Brigid M Gillespie
- Gold Coast Health, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.,School of Nursing and Midwifery & NHMRC Wiser Wounds Centre of Research Excellence, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David Åberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Acute Medicine and Geriatrics, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Annette Erichsen Andersson
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital Mölndal, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lena Oxelmark
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Acute Medicine and Geriatrics, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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8
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Joshi R, Ossmann M, Joseph A. Measuring Potential Visual Exposure of Physicians During Shift-End Handoffs and Its Impact on Interruptions, Privacy, and Collaboration. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2023; 16:175-199. [PMID: 36317832 DOI: 10.1177/19375867221131934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequent interruptions, inadequate privacy, and lack of collaboration are barriers to safe and efficient end-of-shift handoffs between emergency physicians. Varying levels of visibility to and from physicians can impact these outcomes. This study quantifies potential visual exposure of physicians in workstations with varying enclosure levels using isovist connectivity (IC) as a measure. Further, this study examines the association of IC with number of interruptions/hour, perceived collaboration, and privacy during handoffs. METHODS In-person observations were conducted during 60 handoffs to capture interruptions. Surveys were administered to the incoming and outgoing physicians to garner their perceptions of the extent of interruptions, collaboration, and privacy. Spatial analysis was conducted using DepthmapX. RESULTS Findings demonstrate significant differences in IC scores based on (a) physicians location within the workstation during; (b) handoff approach (individual or collaborative); (c) position during handoff (sitting or standing). Documented interruptions were highest in the high IC locations and lowest in the medium and low IC locations. Physicians in low IC locations perceived to have sufficient privacy to conduct handoffs. LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSION It should be noted that the three pods, each housing a physician workstation with different enclosure levels, varied in number of patient rooms, patient acuity, overall size, and the location of workstations. While contextual variables were considered to the extent possible, several other factors could have resulted in differences in number of interruptions and collaboration levels. This study provides design recommendations for handoff locations and a method to test emergency physician workstation designs prior to construction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anjali Joseph
- School of Architecture, Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing, Clemson University, SC, USA
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Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska W, Zorena K, Friganović A, Sak-Dankosky N. Editorial: Patient and medical staff safety in the 21st century. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1092149. [PMID: 36561854 PMCID: PMC9764003 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1092149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska
- Department of Anaesthesiology Nursing and Intensive Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland,*Correspondence: Wioletta Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska
| | - Katarzyna Zorena
- Department of Immunobiology and Environment Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Adriano Friganović
- Department of Nursing, University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
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10
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Falkland EC, Wiggins MW, Douglas H, Sturman D, Auton JC, Shieh L, Westbrook JI. Explaining emergency physicians' capacity to recover from interruptions. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 105:103857. [PMID: 35933839 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether the capacity to utilize cues amongst emergency physicians is associated with differences in the capacity to recover performance following an interruption. BACKGROUND Interruptions are implicated in errors in emergency medicine due to the cognitive load that they impose on working memory, resulting in a loss of performance on the primary task. The utilization of cues is associated with a reduction in cognitive load during the performance of a task, thereby enabling the allocation of residual resources that mitigates the loss of performance following interruptions. METHOD Thirty-nine emergency physicians, recruited at a medical conference, completed an assessment of cue utilization (EXPERTise 2.0) and an online simulation (Septris) that involved the management of patients presenting with sepsis. During the simulation, physicians were interrupted and asked to check a medication order. Task performance was assessed using scores on Septris, with points awarded for the accurate management of patients. RESULTS Emergency physicians with higher cue utilization recorded significantly higher scores on the simulation task following the interruption, compared to physicians with lower cue utilization (p = .028). CONCLUSION The results confirm a relationship between cue utilization and the recovery of performance following an interruption. This is likely due to the advantages afforded by associated reductions in cognitive load. APPLICATION Assessments of cue utilization may assist in the development of interventions to support clinicians in interruptive environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Falkland
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Mark W Wiggins
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Heather Douglas
- Department of Psychology, Newcastle University, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Daniel Sturman
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Jaime C Auton
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Lisa Shieh
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Johanna I Westbrook
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
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11
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Plint AC, Newton AS, Stang A, Cantor Z, Hayawi L, Barrowman N, Boutis K, Gouin S, Doan Q, Dixon A, Porter R, Joubert G, Sawyer S, Crawford T, Gravel J, Bhatt M, Weldon P, Millar K, Tse S, Neto G, Grewal S, Chan M, Chan K, Yung G, Kilgar J, Lynch T, Aglipay M, Dalgleish D, Farion K, Klassen TP, Johnson DW, Calder LA. How safe are paediatric emergency departments? A national prospective cohort study. BMJ Qual Saf 2022; 31:806-817. [PMID: 35853646 PMCID: PMC9606537 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2021-014608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high number of children treated in emergency departments, patient safety risks in this setting are not well quantified. Our objective was to estimate the risk and type of adverse events, as well as their preventability and severity, for children treated in a paediatric emergency department. METHODS Our prospective, multicentre cohort study enrolled children presenting for care during one of 168 8-hour study shifts across nine paediatric emergency departments. Our primary outcome was an adverse event within 21 days of enrolment which was related to care provided at the enrolment visit. We identified 'flagged outcomes' (such as hospital visits, worsening symptoms) through structured telephone interviews with patients and families over the 21 days following enrolment. We screened admitted patients' health records with a validated trigger tool. For patients with flags or triggers, three reviewers independently determined whether an adverse event occurred. RESULTS We enrolled 6376 children; 6015 (94%) had follow-up data. Enrolled children had a median age of 4.3 years (IQR 1.6-9.8 years). One hundred and seventy-nine children (3.0%, 95% CI 2.6% to 3.5%) had at least one adverse event. There were 187 adverse events in total; 143 (76.5%, 95% CI 68.9% to 82.7%) were deemed preventable. Management (n=98, 52.4%) and diagnostic issues (n=36, 19.3%) were the most common types of adverse events. Seventy-nine (42.2%) events resulted in a return emergency department visit; 24 (12.8%) resulted in hospital admission; and 3 (1.6%) resulted in transfer to a critical care unit. CONCLUSION In this large-scale study, 1 in 33 children treated in a paediatric emergency department experienced an adverse event related to the care they received there. The majority of events were preventable; most were related to management and diagnostic issues. Specific patient populations were at higher risk of adverse events. We identify opportunities for improvement in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Plint
- Pediatric Emergency, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda S Newton
- Pediatrics, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Antonia Stang
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zach Cantor
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lamia Hayawi
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nick Barrowman
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathy Boutis
- Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatrics and Child Health Evaluative Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Serge Gouin
- Pediatric Emergency Department, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Pediatrics, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Quynh Doan
- Evidence to Innovations, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew Dixon
- Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert Porter
- Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Pediatrics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Gary Joubert
- Children's Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatrics, Western University Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott Sawyer
- Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Pediatric Emergency, Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg Children's Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Tyrus Crawford
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jocelyn Gravel
- Pediatric Emergency Department, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Pediatrics, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Maala Bhatt
- Pediatric Emergency, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Weldon
- Pediatric Emergency, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly Millar
- Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sandy Tse
- Pediatric Emergency, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gina Neto
- Pediatric Emergency, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simran Grewal
- Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Emergency Medicine, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melissa Chan
- Emergency Medicine, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kevin Chan
- Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Pediatrics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Grant Yung
- Pediatric Emergency, Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg Children's Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jennifer Kilgar
- Children's Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatrics, Western University Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tim Lynch
- Children's Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatrics, Western University Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mary Aglipay
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dale Dalgleish
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ken Farion
- Pediatric Emergency, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terry P Klassen
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba Faculty of Health Sciences, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - David W Johnson
- Paediatrics, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lisa A Calder
- Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Yu EJ, Lee EN. Development and Validation of a Nursing Work Interruption Scale. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13487. [PMID: 36294067 PMCID: PMC9602459 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Work interruption disturbs nurses' flow of thinking, diminishes work efficiency, induces burnout, and causes errors that can threaten patients' lives. Therefore, it is important to identify the causes and measure the extent of work interruption. This study developed a self-report scale and established its validity and reliability for use in hospital settings. Through literature review and in-depth interviews with nurses, we identified two components and developed 25 preliminary items. These items were reviewed by nursing experts for content validity and pilot tested among 20 hospital nurses; subsequently, a 16-item preliminary instrument was finalized. A total of 359 questionnaires were included in the final analysis, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed. Two factors and 12 items were derived from two rounds of EFA, with a cumulative percentage of variance of 55.73%. Construct validity was established through CFA. The predictive validity and internal consistency reliability of the developed scale were also established. Thus, the 12-item Work Interruption Measurement Scale for Nurses comprising two domains (human and environmental factors) was developed. This scale can be useful in assessing work interruption experienced by nurses and for developing and assessing the effectiveness of interventions pertaining to nurses' work interruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jeong Yu
- Nursing Department, Busan Institute of Science and Technology, Busan 6639, Korea
| | - Eun-Nam Lee
- College of Nursing, Dong-A University, Busan 49201, Korea
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13
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Danesh V, Sasangohar F, Kallberg AS, Kean EB, Brixey JJ, Johnson KD. Systematic review of interruptions in the emergency department work environment. Int Emerg Nurs 2022; 63:101175. [PMID: 35843150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2022.101175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the operationalization of interruptions measurement and to synthesize the evidence on the causes and consequences of interruptions in the emergency department (ED) work environment. METHODS This systematic review of studies explores the causes and consequences of interruptions in the ED. Of 2836 abstract/titles screened, 137 full-text articles were reviewed, and 44 articles met inclusion criteria of measuring ED interruptions. RESULTS All articles reported primary data collection, and most were cohort studies (n = 30, 68%). Conceptual or operational definitions of interruptions were included in 27 articles. Direct observation was the most common approach. In half of the studies, quantitative measures of interruptions in the ED were descriptive only, without measurements of interruptions' consequences. Twenty-two studies evaluated consequences, including workload, delays, satisfaction, and errors. Overall, relationships between ED interruptions and their causes and consequences are primarily derived from direct observation within large academic hospitals using heterogeneous definitions. Collective strengths of interruptions research in the ED include structured methods of naturalistic observation and definitions of interruptions derived from concept analysis. Limitations are conflicting and complex evaluations of consequences attributed to interruptions, including the predominance of descriptive reports characterizing interruptions without direct measurements of consequences. CONCLUSIONS The use of standardized definitions and measurements in interruptions research could contribute to measuring the impact and influence of interruptions on clinicians' productivity and efficiency as well as patients' outcomes, and thus provide a basis for intervention research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Danesh
- Center for Applied Health Research, Baylor Scott & White Health, 3500 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX 75246, United States.
| | - Farzan Sasangohar
- Applied Cognitive Ergonomics Lab Texas, A&M University, Houston, TX, United States; Industrial and Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, 4079 Emerging Technologies Building, 3131 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, United States.
| | - Ann-Sofie Kallberg
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden; Department of Emergency Medicine, Falun Hospital, Dalarna University, SE-79188, Sweden.
| | - Emily B Kean
- University of Cincinnati, Health Sciences Library, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States.
| | - Juliana J Brixey
- Biomedical Informatics and Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 6901 Bertner Ave, Rm 629, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| | - Kimberly D Johnson
- University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing, 234 Proctor Hall 3110 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States.
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14
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Shreffler J, Huecker M. Physician Flow at Work: Examining Work Absorption, Clinical Flow, Work Fulfillment, and Flow Thieves. Workplace Health Saf 2022; 70:484-491. [PMID: 35766249 DOI: 10.1177/21650799221093772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The experience of "flow" at work correlates with positive job outputs and work-related attitudes. Very little current literature describes flow at work in physicians, who experience significant barriers to optimal work outputs, also known as flow thieves (e.g., case interruptions, documenting care). This study aimed to develop a measurement for physician flow (P-Flow) at work and examine the association of P-Flow with physician burnout, job satisfaction, and well-being. METHODS A pilot instrument was tested with items measuring P-Flow at work. After the pilot administration, a 14-item physician flow (P-Flow-14) scale was administered to physicians. In addition to the P-Flow-14 scale, physician respondents completed items measuring burnout, job satisfaction, and well-being. RESULTS This study specifies initial psychometric evidence of P-Flow-14 and 7-item P-Flow instruments for researchers interested in studying flow at work in physicians. For each P-Flow instrument, higher levels of the flow experience correlated with superior levels of well-being (p < .01) and job satisfaction (p < .01), and less burnout (p < .001). Results showed initial psychometric evidence of derived subscales (work absorption, clinical flow, flow thieves, work fulfillment) for application in future research. Results showed associations between flow experience by age group and physician specialty. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE To enhance well-being and job satisfaction, physicians should aim for concentration and immersion in clinical duties while reducing unnecessary distractions. These findings can be applied by employers and can guide further research on work interruptions and patient safety. Future research can validate the P-Flow scales and subscales to assess interventions aimed to improve the physician work environment.
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15
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Zhu X, Hu Y, Wang L, Li D, Wu X, Xia S, Cheng S. An Observational Study of Physicians' Workflow Interruptions in Outpatient Departments in China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:884764. [PMID: 35757627 PMCID: PMC9215343 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.884764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Workflow interruptions are frequent in hospital outpatient clinics. Eventually, not only reducing the work efficiency and quality, but also further threatening patient safety. Over the last 10–15 years, research on workflow interruptions in inpatient care has increased, but there is a lack of research on the interruptions in outpatient clinics. The present study aimed to study the differences in physicians' workflow interruptions among outpatient departments in the tertiary hospital in China. Methods In a tertiary hospital, a standardized observational study of 32 doctors' workflow in outpatient department of four typical clinical specialties was conducted. The record of workflow interruptions was based on a self-made observation instrument after verifying its reliability and validity. Linear regression methods were used to assess outpatient characteristics as predictors of the number of interruptions. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the difference about the duration of interruptions among specialties, and the Chi-Square Test was used to examine the sources of interruptions among different specialties, to determine whether interruption source is associated with specialty. Results The number of patients was the significant independent predictor of the number of interruptions (p < 0.001). In terms of work tasks being interrupted, the highest interruption rate occurred when physicians were asking health history: 19.95 interruptions per hour. The distribution of interruption sources among the four clinical specialties were statistically different (X2 = 16.988, p = 0.049). Conclusion The findings indicate that physicians' workflow interruptions are connected with many contents in the work system. Further emphasis should be placed on the effective application of hospital management measures in an interrupted environment to promote a safe and efficiency outpatient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximin Zhu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yinhuan Hu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liuming Wang
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dehe Li
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyue Wu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shixiao Xia
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Siyu Cheng
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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16
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Winters LJ, Till DA, Bing ML, Holmes JF. Time required for electrocardiogram interpretation in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:662-664. [PMID: 35094445 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leigha J. Winters
- Department of Emergency Medicine UC Davis School of Medicine Sacramento CA USA
| | | | - Mary L. Bing
- Department of Emergency Medicine UC Davis School of Medicine Sacramento CA USA
| | - James F. Holmes
- Department of Emergency Medicine UC Davis School of Medicine Sacramento CA USA
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17
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Di Rocco JR, Kimata C, Barat M, Kodama S. Paediatric resident workflow observations in a community-based hospital. BMJ Open Qual 2022; 11:bmjoq-2021-001607. [PMID: 35241437 PMCID: PMC8896048 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Residency graduates need to demonstrate competence in prioritising safe patient care through appropriate management of multiple competing tasks and workflow interruptions. This pilot study aimed to characterise and correlate interruptions in paediatric resident workflow at an academically affiliated, community-based hospital. Methods One of three trained observers followed a resident physician during a convenience sample of 1–2 hour increments, either in the emergency department or on the wards, and recorded all observed activities and interruptions using an established time-motion tool. All participants completed a baseline Multi-Tasking Ability Test (MTAT) and pre-observation and post-observation surveys. Statistical approach included descriptive statistics, logistic regression, mixed model and ORs. Results 18 paediatric residents were observed for 57.5 total hours (an average of 3.2 hours/resident) which included 329 interruptions, defined as any external event drawing the resident’s attention away from a primary task. Interruptions occurred an average of 5.9 times per resident per hour. Interrupted primary tasks were not resumed during the observation period 11% of the time. A personal/social-related interruption yielded an OR of 0.29 that the resident will return to a primary task within 5 min (p=0.007) when compared with patient-related verbal interruptions by the medical team. The MTAT Score indicated decreased efficiency for interns versus postgraduate year 2 residents (p=0.029). Residents’ MTAT Scores did not correlate with their time to return to a primary task following an interruption (p=0.11). Conclusions Paediatric resident workflow interruptions in the hospital were observed to occur frequently and should be expected. Personal/social interruptions were most likely to delay prompt return to a primary task. The MTAT Score, although improved between the first 2 years of residency training, did not correlate with efficient return to a primary task. Interruption management and mitigation strategies should be developed as part of a standardised residency task management curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Di Rocco
- Pediatrics, Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA .,Pediatrics, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa John A Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Chieko Kimata
- Patient Safety & Quality Services, Hawai'i Pacific Health, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Masihullah Barat
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa John A Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Samantha Kodama
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa John A Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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18
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Ryll L, Kaku M, Lau KHV. The Nature of Interruptions Among Inpatient Residents: a Time-Motion Observation-Based Mixed Methods Study. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR 2021; 31:1757-1760. [PMID: 34956694 PMCID: PMC8651818 DOI: 10.1007/s40670-021-01432-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Interruptions are germane to inpatient medical practice but carry the consequences of reduced error prevention, psychological stress, and impaired knowledge consolidation among trainees. In this mixed methods study, we captured 172 task changes via time-motion observations of four residents on a general neurology service and completed semi-structured interviews with the same group. Twenty-five percent of task changes were due to interruptions, the majority via pager communications, and only 2% required urgent clinical attention. Residents reported frustration towards inefficient aspects of the pager system. Given the high rates of interruptions identified, we propose mitigating strategies such as triaging communications by urgency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Ryll
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Michelle Kaku
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - K. H. Vincent Lau
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 72 East Concord Street, Neurology C-3, Boston, MA 02118 USA
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19
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Winters LJ, Dhillon RK, Pannu GK, Terrassa P, Holmes JF, Bing ML. Emergent cardiac outcomes in patients with normal electrocardiograms in the emergency department. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 51:384-387. [PMID: 34823195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency physicians (EP) are frequently interrupted to screen electrocardiograms (ECG) from Emergency Department (ED) patients undergoing triage. Our objective was to identify discrepancies between the computer ECG interpretation and the cardiologist ECG interpretation and if any patients with normal ECGs underwent emergent cardiac intervention. We hypothesized that computer-interpreted normal ECGs do not require immediate review by an EP. METHODS This was a retrospective study of adult (≥ 18 years old) ED patients with computer-interpreted normal ECGs. Laboratory, diagnostic testing and clinical outcomes were abstracted following accepted methodologic guidelines. The primary outcome was emergent cardiac catheterization (within four hours of ED arrival). All ECGs underwent final cardiologist interpretation. When cardiology interpretation differed from the computer (discrepant ECG interpretation), the difference was classified as potentially clinically significant or not clinically significant. Data was described with simple descriptive statistics. MAIN FINDINGS 989 ECGs interpreted as normal by the computer were analyzed with a mean age of 50.4 ± 16.8 years (range 18-96 years) and 527 (53%) female. Discrepant ECG interpretations were identified in 184 cases including 124 (12.5%, 95% CI 10.4, 14.7%) not clinically significant and 60 (6.1%, 95% CI 4.6, 7.7%) potentially clinically significant. The 60 potentially clinically significant changes included: ST/T wave changes 45 (75%), T wave inversions 6 (10%), prolonged QT 3 (5%), and possible ischemia 10 (17%). Of these 60, 21 (35%) patients were admitted. Six patients had potassium levels >6.0 mEq/L, with one having a potentially clinically significant ECG change. No patient (0%, 95% CI 0, 0.3%) underwent immediate (within four hours) cardiac catherization whereas two underwent delayed cardiac interventions. CONCLUSIONS Cardiologists frequently disagree with a computer-interpreted normal ECG. Patients with computer-interpreted normal ECGs, however, rarely had significant ischemic events. A rare number of patients will have important cardiac outcomes regardless of the computer-generated normal ECG interpretation. Immediate EP review of the ECG, however, would not have changed these patients' ED courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigha J Winters
- UC Davis School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, USA
| | | | | | | | - James F Holmes
- UC Davis School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, USA.
| | - Mary L Bing
- UC Davis School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, USA.
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20
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Freitas WCJD, Menezes AC, Mata LRFD, Lira ALBDC, Januário LH, Ribeiro HCTC. Interruption in the work of nursing professionals: conceptual analysis. Rev Bras Enferm 2021; 75:e20201392. [PMID: 34705993 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-1392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to analyze the concept of "interruption in the work of nursing professionals". METHODS conceptual study according to the method proposed by Walker and Avant through integrative literature review. The study searched the databases using the descriptors: "Attention", "Attention Bias", "Health Personnel", "Nurses", "Patient Safety" and "Medical Malpractices". The sample consisted of 36 studies. RESULTS the antecedents were alarms, answering phone calls, providing patient care, and lack of material/medicine. The defining attributes were pause, suspension, breakage, and intrusion. In relation to the consequences, the study highlighted the increase in frequency and severity of medication errors and change of focus. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS theconceptual analysis identified the attributes, antecedents, and consequences and allowed to build an operational definition for "interruption in the work of nursing professionals". It will contribute to the improvement of the work process and the creation of strategies that ensure safer care for the patient.
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Huang WC, Hsu SC, Yang CH, Lin CW, Suk FM, Hu KC, Wu YY, Chen HY, Hsu CW. A novel approach: Simulating multiple simultaneous encounters to assess multitasking ability in emergency medicine. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257887. [PMID: 34582505 PMCID: PMC8478191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Study objective The purpose of this feasibility study is to develop and validate a new assessment tool and scoring system for multitasking competency for physicians in-training in a timed simulated setting. The multitasking competency includes ability to appropriately prioritize and implement tasks for different patients who present simultaneously. Methods We designed three single task stations with different levels of difficulty and priority. These skill stations were then combined to create a multitasking simulation scenario. Skill checklists and the global rating scale were utilized to assess the participants’ performance. A multitasking score, multitasking index, and priority score were developed to measure the multitasking ability of participants. Results Thirty-three first-year postgraduate physicians were recruited for this prospective study. The total performance scores were significantly higher for the single-tasking stations than for the multitasking scenario. In terms of the time needed to complete the tasks, the participants spent more time on the multitasking scenario than on the single-tasking scenario. There were significant correlations between the global rating scale and the multitasking score (rho = 0.693, p < 0.001) and between the global rating scale and the multitasking index (rho = 0.515, p < 0.001). The multitasking score, multitasking index, and priority score did not have any significant correlations with the total single-tasking score. Conclusion We demonstrated that the use of a simulated multitasking scenario could be an effective method of assessing multitasking ability and allow assessors to offer better quality feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Cheng Huang
- Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Emergency Department, Department of Emergency and Critical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Education in Medical Simulation, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Education and Humanities in Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chang Hsu
- Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Emergency Department, Department of Emergency and Critical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hao Yang
- Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Emergency Department, Department of Emergency and Critical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Wei Lin
- Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Emergency Department, Department of Emergency and Critical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Education in Medical Simulation, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Education and Humanities in Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fat-Moon Suk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chun Hu
- Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Emergency Department, Department of Emergency and Critical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Yu Wu
- Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Emergency Department, Department of Emergency and Critical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Yu Chen
- Center for Education in Medical Simulation, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Wang Hsu
- Department of Emergency, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Emergency Department, Department of Emergency and Critical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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22
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Lee T, Rosario H, Cifuentes E, Cui J, Lin EC, Miller VA, Lin HC. Review of interruptions in a pediatric subspecialty outpatient clinic. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254528. [PMID: 34324552 PMCID: PMC8320932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to describe interruptions in the pediatric ambulatory setting and to assess their impact on perceived physician communication, patient satisfaction and recall of provided physician instructions. METHODS An observational study was performed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pediatric Gastroenterology clinic. Participation consisted of video recording the clinic visit and the caregiver completed post-visit surveys on communication and satisfaction. Video recordings were coded for interruptions, which were divided into 3 main categories: Visit Associated, Pediatric Associated, and Unanticipated. An interruption rate was calculated and correlated with the following outcome variables to assess the impact of interruptions: caregiver satisfaction, caregiver perception on the quality of physician communication, and caregiver instruction recall. RESULTS There were 675 interruptions noted in the 81 clinic visits, with an average of 7.96 (σ = 7.68) interruptions per visit. Six visits had no interruptions. The Patient was the most frequent interrupter. Significantly higher interruption rates occurred in clinic visits with younger patients (<7 years old) with most of the interruptions being Pediatric Associated interruptions. There was minimal correlation between the clinic visit interruption rate and caregiver satisfaction with the communication, caregiver perception of quality of communication, or caregiver instruction recall rate. CONCLUSION The effect of interruptions on the pediatric visit remains unclear. Interruptions may be part of the communication process to ensure alignment of the patient's agenda. Additional studies are needed to help determine the impact of interruptions and guide medical education on patient communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Lee
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Hinette Rosario
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Cifuentes
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jiawei Cui
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Emery C. Lin
- Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Victoria A. Miller
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Henry C. Lin
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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23
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Joshi R, Joseph A, Ossmann M, Taaffe K, Pirrallo R, Allison D, Perino LC. Emergency Physicians' Workstation Design: An Observational Study of Interruptions and Perception of Collaboration During Shift-End Handoffs. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2021; 14:174-193. [PMID: 33745345 DOI: 10.1177/19375867211001379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequent external interruptions and lack of collaboration among team members are known to be common barriers in end-of-shift handoffs between physicians in the emergency department. In spite of being the primary location for this crucial and cognitively demanding task, workstations are not designed to limit barriers and support handoffs. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to examine handoff characteristics, actual and perceived interruptions, and perceived collaboration among emergency physicians performing end-of-shift handoffs in physician workstations with varying levels of enclosures-(a) open-plan workstation, (b) enclosed workstation, and (c) semi-open workstation. METHOD Handoff and interruption characteristics were captured through in-person observations of 60 handoffs using an iPad-based tool. Additionally, physicians participating in the handoffs responded to a survey pertaining to their perception of interruptions and collaboration with clinicians during each phase. Other organizational and demographic data were obtained from the hospital database, surveys, and observations. RESULTS Physicians working in the open workstation experienced a significantly higher number of interruptions/hour (18.08 int/hr) as compared to the semi-open (13.62 int/hr) and enclosed workstations (11.41 int/hr). Most physicians perceived that they were interrupted in the semi-open and open workstations. In addition, majority of physicians in the enclosed pod perceived high collaboration with clinicians involved in and present in the workstation during handoff. CONCLUSION This correlational study showed positive outcomes experienced by physician working in the enclosed workstation as compared to the open and semi-open workstations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutali Joshi
- Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing, School of Architecture, 2545Clemson University, SC, USA
| | - Anjali Joseph
- Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing, School of Architecture, 2545Clemson University, SC, USA
| | - Michelle Ossmann
- Knowledge and Insights, Healthcare, 51405Herman Miller, Holland, MI, USA
| | - Kevin Taaffe
- Department of Industrial Engineering, 170373College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, Clemson University, SC, USA
| | - Ronald Pirrallo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 3626Prisma Health, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, SC, USA
| | - David Allison
- School of Architecture, Graduate Program in Architecture + Health, 191204Clemson University, SC, USA
| | - Larissa Coldebella Perino
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 3626Prisma Health, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, SC, USA
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Augenstein T, Schneider A, Wehler M, Weigl M. Multitasking behaviors and provider outcomes in emergency department physicians: two consecutive, observational and multi-source studies. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2021; 29:14. [PMID: 33413575 PMCID: PMC7792086 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-020-00824-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multitasking is a key skill for emergency department (ED) providers. Yet, potentially beneficial or debilitating effects for provider functioning and cognition are underexplored. We therefore aimed to investigate the role of multitasking for ED physicians’ work stress and situation awareness (SA). Methods Two consecutive, multi-source studies utilizing standardized expert observations in combination with physicians’ self-reports on stress and SA were set out in an academic ED. To control for ED workload, measures of patient acuity, patient counts, and ED staff on duty were included. Regression analyses estimated associations between observed proportion of time spent in multitasking with matched ED physicians’ reports on stress (study 1) and SA (study 2). Results ED physicians engaged between 18.7% (study 1) and 13.0% (study 2) of their worktime in multitasking. Self-reported as well as expert-observed multitasking were significantly associated. This confirms the internal validity of our observational approach. After controlling for ED workload, we found that physicians who engaged more frequently in multitasking perceived higher work stress (Beta = .02, 95%CI .001–.03; p = .01). In study 2, ED physicians with more frequent multitasking behaviors reported higher SA (B = .08, 95%CI .02–.14; p = .009). Conclusions Multitasking is often unavoidable in ED care. Our findings suggest that ED physicians’ multitasking increases stress experiences, yet, may facilitate professional’s experiences of situation awareness. Our results warrant further investigation into potentially ambivalent effects of ED providers’ multitasking in effectively sharing time between competing demands while maintaining performance and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Augenstein
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstrasse 1, 80336, Munich, Germany.,Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of General, Visceral and Trauma Surgery, Academic Hospital Porz am Rhein, Urbacher Weg 19, 51149, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Schneider
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstrasse 1, 80336, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Wehler
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstrasse 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Weigl
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstrasse 1, 80336, Munich, Germany. .,Institute for Patient Safety, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Weigl M, Catchpole K, Wehler M, Schneider A. Workflow disruptions and provider situation awareness in acute care: An observational study with emergency department physicians and nurses. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2020; 88:103155. [PMID: 32678775 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fast-paced and rapidly changing environment of an Emergency Department (ED) requires providers to have a high level of situation awareness (SA). However, acute clinical care also encompasses a multitude of interruption-laden work processes that might degrade SA. It is therefore important to understand how frequent interruptions affect ED provider cognition in general and SA in particular. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine how sources and contents of provider workflow interruptions influence situation awareness of ED physicians and nurses. METHODS This prospective, multi-method study combined standardized observations, self-reports of ED providers, and ED administrative data of staffing and patient load. Expert observers identified ED providers' workflow interruptions during 90min observation sessions. Afterwards, each provider reported perceived disruptiveness and situation awareness. Controlling for patient load, patient acuity and staffing, we conducted regression analyses to explore prospective associations between interruptions and provider outcomes. RESULTS During 74 observation sessions of overall 110h and 40min, we observed 1205 workflow interruptions (mean rate: 10.9 interruptions/hour). Provider situation awareness was fairly high (M = 7.10; scale 0-10) with no difference between ED physicians and nurses. After controlling for ED workload data, we observed that high rates of interruptions were associated with lower levels of situation awareness (β = -0.27). Further analyses revealed that particularly interruptions by telephone/beeper, technical malfunctions as well as interruptive communication related to completed cases were correlated to low SA. DISCUSSION This study in a naturalistic ED setting shows that ED physicians and nurses continuously cope with disruptions and interruptions. Our findings reveal that highly interruptive workflow environments impede providers' situation awareness. Moreover, it sheds light on specific sources and contents of interruptions that influence providers' SA in acute care. CONCLUSION Frequent workflow interruptions can degrade ED providers' situation awareness. A deeper understanding of how avoidable and unavoidable interruptions affect provider cognitions with particular focus on social and technology-related disruptions is required. Further emphasis should be placed on the effective application of work re-design in this context to foster safe and efficient patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Weigl
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstrasse 1, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Ken Catchpole
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, USA
| | - Markus Wehler
- University Hospital Augsburg, Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Medicine IV, Stenglinstrasse 2, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Anna Schneider
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstrasse 1, 80336, Munich, Germany; Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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Investigating the link between medical urgency and hospital efficiency - Insights from the German hospital market. Health Care Manag Sci 2020; 23:649-660. [PMID: 32936387 PMCID: PMC7674330 DOI: 10.1007/s10729-020-09520-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
With hospital budgets remaining tight and healthcare expenditure rising due to demographic change and advances in technology, hospitals continue to face calls to contain costs and allocate their resources more efficiently. In this context, efficiency has emerged as an increasingly important way for hospitals to withstand competitive pressures in the hospital market. Doing so, however, can be challenging given unpredictable fluctuations in demand, a prime example of which are emergencies, i.e. urgent medical cases. The link between medical urgency and hospitals' efficiency, however, has been neglected in the literature to date. This study therefore aims to investigate the relationship between hospitals' urgency characteristics and their efficiency. Our analyses are based on 4094 observations from 1428 hospitals throughout Germany for the years 2015, 2016, and 2017. We calculate an average urgency score for each hospital based on all cases treated in that hospital per year and also investigate the within-hospital dispersion of medical urgency. To analyze the association of these urgency measures with hospitals' efficiency we use a two-stage double bootstrap data envelopment analysis approach with truncated regression. We find a negative relationship between the urgency score and hospital efficiency. When testing for non-linear effects, the results reveal a u-shaped association, indicating that having either a high or low overall urgency score is beneficial in terms of efficiency. Finally, our results reveal that higher within-hospital urgency dispersion is negatively related to efficiency.
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A Novel Algorithm for Improving the Diagnostic Accuracy of Prehospital ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Prehosp Disaster Med 2019; 34:489-496. [PMID: 31507262 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x19004849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a time-sensitive entity that has been shown to benefit from prehospital diagnosis by electrocardiogram (ECG). Current computer algorithms with binary decision making are not accurate enough to be relied on for cardiac catheterization lab (CCL) activation. HYPOTHESIS An algorithmic approach is proposed to stratify binary STEMI computerized ECG interpretations into low, intermediate, and high STEMI probability tiers. METHODS Based on previous literature, a four-criteria algorithm was developed to rule out/in common causes of prehospital STEMI false-positive computer interpretations: heart rate, QRS width, ST elevation criteria, and artifact. Prehospital STEMI cases were prospectively collected at a single academic center in Salt Lake City, Utah (USA) from May 2012 through October 2013. The prehospital ECGs were applied to the algorithm and compared against activation of the CCL by an emergency department (ED) physician as the outcome of interest. In addition to calculating test characteristics, linear regression was used to look for an association between number of criteria used and accuracy, and logistic regression was used to test if any single criterion performed better than another. RESULTS There were 63 ECGs available for review, 39 high probability and 24 intermediate probability. The high probability STEMI tier had excellent test characteristics for ruling in STEMI when all four criteria were used, specificity 1.00 (95% CI, 0.59-1.00), positive predictive value 1.00 (0.91-1.00). Linear regression showed a strong correlation demonstrating that false-positives increased as fewer criteria were used (adjusted r-square 0.51; P <.01). Logistic regression showed no significant predictive value for any one criterion over another (P = .80). Limiting physician overread to the intermediate tier only would reduce the number of ECGs requiring physician overread by a factor of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.48-0.75; P <.01). CONCLUSION Prehospital STEMI ECGs can be accurately stratified to high, intermediate, and low probabilities for STEMI using the four criteria. While additional study is required, using this tiered algorithmic approach in prehospital ECGs could lead to changes in CCL activation and decreased requirements for physician overread. This may have significant clinical and quality implications.
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Koziatek C, Swartz J, Iturrate E, Levy-Lambert D, Testa P. Decreasing the Lag Between Result Availability and Decision-Making in the Emergency Department Using Push Notifications. West J Emerg Med 2019; 20:666-671. [PMID: 31316708 PMCID: PMC6625675 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2019.5.42749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emergency department (ED) patient care often hinges on the result of a diagnostic test. Frequently there is a lag time between a test result becoming available for review and physician decision-making or disposition based on that result. We implemented a system that electronically alerts ED providers when test results are available for review via a smartphone- and smartwatch-push notification. We hypothesized this would reduce the time from result to clinical decision-making. Methods We retrospectively assessed the impact of the implementation of a push notification system at three EDs on time-to-disposition or time-to-follow-up order in six clinical scenarios of interest: chest radiograph (CXR) to disposition, basic metabolic panel (BMP) to disposition, urinalysis (UA) to disposition, respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) to disposition, hemoglobin (Hb) to blood transfusion order, and abnormal D-dimer to computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) order. All ED patients during a one-year period of push-notification availability were included in the study. The primary outcome was median time in each scenario from result availability to either disposition order or defined follow-up order. The secondary outcome was the overall usage rate of the opt-in push notification system by providers. Results During the study period there were 6115 push notifications from 4183 ED encounters (2.7% of all encounters). Of the six clinical scenarios examined in this study, five were associated with a decrease in median time from test result availability to patient disposition or follow-up order when push notifications were employed: CXR to disposition, 80 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 32–162 minutes) vs 56 minutes (IQR 18–141 minutes), difference 24 minutes (p<0.01); BMP to disposition, 128 minutes (IQR 62–225 minutes) vs 116 minutes (IQR 33–226 minutes), difference 12 minutes (p<0.01); UA to disposition, 105 minutes (IQR 43–200 minutes) vs 55 minutes (IQR 16–144 minutes), difference 50 minutes (p<0.01); RPP to disposition, 80 minutes (IQR 28–181 minutes) vs 37 minutes (IQR 10–116 minutes), difference 43 minutes (p<0.01); and D-dimer to CTPA, 14 minutes (IQR 6–30 minutes) vs 6 minutes (IQR 2.5–17.5 minutes), difference 8 minutes (p<0.01). The sixth scenario, Hb to blood transfusion (difference 19 minutes, p=0.73), did not meet statistical significance. Conclusion Implementation of a push notification system for test result availability in the ED was associated with a decrease in lag time between test result and physician decision-making in the examined clinical scenarios. Push notifications were used in only a minority of ED patient encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Koziatek
- New York University School of Medicine, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Jordan Swartz
- New York University School of Medicine, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Eduardo Iturrate
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Dina Levy-Lambert
- New York University School of Medicine, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Paul Testa
- New York University School of Medicine, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, New York City, New York
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The potential impact of an electronic medication management system on safety‐critical prescribing errors in an emergency department. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jppr.1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Goebel M, Bledsoe J. Push Notifications Reduce Emergency Department Response Times to Prehospital ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. West J Emerg Med 2019; 20:212-218. [PMID: 30881538 PMCID: PMC6404709 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2018.12.40375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prehospital acquisition of electrocardiograms (ECG) has been consistently associated with reduced door-to-balloon times in the treatment of ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI). There is little evidence establishing best hospital practices once the ECG has been received by the emergency department (ED). This study evaluates the use of a push notification system to reduce delays in cardiac catheterization lab (CCL) activation for prehospital STEMI. METHODS In this prospective before-and-after study, we collected prehospital ECGs with computer interpretation of STEMI from May 2012 to October 2013. Push notifications were implemented June 1, 2013. During the study period, we collected timestamps of when the prehospital ECG was received (email timestamp of receiving account), CCL team activation (timestamp in paging system), and patient arrival (timestamp in ED tracking board). When prehospital ECGs were received in the ED, an audible alert was played via the Vocera WiFi communication system, notifying nursing staff that an ECG was available for physician interpretation. We compared the time from receiving the ECG to activation of the CCL before and after the audible notification was implemented. RESULTS Of the 56 cases received, we included 45 in our analysis (20 cases with pre-arrival CCL activation and 25 with post-arrival activation). For the pre-arrival group, the interval from ECG received to CCL activation prior to implementation was 9.1 minutes with a standard deviation (SD) of 5.7 minutes. After implementation, the interval was reduced to 3.33 minutes with a SD of 1.63 minutes. Delay was decreased by 5.8 minutes (p < 0.01). Post-implementation activation times were more consistent, demonstrated by a decrease in SD from 5.75 to 1.63 min (p < 0.01). For patients with CCL activation after arrival, there was no significant change in mean delay after implementation. CONCLUSION In this small, single-center observational study, we demonstrated that the use of push notifications to ED staff alerting that a prehospital STEMI ECG was received correlated with a small reduction in, and increased consistency of, ED CCL activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Goebel
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, San Diego, California
| | - Joseph Bledsoe
- Intermountain Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Murray, Utah
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The Impact of Phone Interruptions on the Quality of Simulated Medication Order Validation Using Eye Tracking: A Pilot Study. Simul Healthc 2019; 14:90-95. [PMID: 30601467 DOI: 10.1097/sih.0000000000000350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Order validation is an important component of pharmacy services, where pharmacists review orders with a focus on error prevention. Interruptions are frequent and may contribute to a reduction in error detection, thus potential medication errors. However, studying such errors in practice is difficult. Simulation has potential to study these events. METHODS This was a pilot, simulation study. The primary objective was to determine the rate of medication error detection and the effect of interruptions on error detection during simulated validation. Secondary objectives included determining time to complete each prescription page. The scenario consisted of validating three handwritten medication order pages containing 12 orders and 17 errors, interrupted by three phone calls timed during one order for each page. Participants were categorized in groups: seniors and juniors (including residents). Simulation sessions were videotaped and eye tracking was used to assist in analysis. RESULTS Eight senior and five junior pharmacists were included in the analysis. There was a significant association between interruption and error detection (odds ratio = 0.149, 95% confidence interval = 0.042-0.525, P = 0.005). This association did not vary significantly between groups (P = 0.832). Juniors took more time to validate the first page (10 minutes 56 seconds vs. 6 minutes 42 seconds) but detected more errors (95% vs. 69%). However, all major errors were detected by all participants. CONCLUSIONS We observed an association between phone interruptions and a decrease in error detection during simulated validation. Simulation provides an opportunity to study order validation by pharmacists and may be a valuable teaching tool for pharmacists and pharmacy residents learning order validation.
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Law KE, Hildebrand EA, Hawthorne HJ, Hallbeck MS, Branaghan RJ, Dowdy SC, Blocker RC. A pilot study of non-routine events in gynecological surgery: Type, impact, and effect. Gynecol Oncol 2018; 152:298-303. [PMID: 30527338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Quantifying non-routine events (NREs) assists with identify underlying sociotechnical factors that could lead to adverse events. NREs are considered any event that is unusual or atypical during surgical procedures. This study aimed to use prospective observations to characterize the occurrence of non-routine events in gynecological surgeries. METHODS Observational data were collected prospectively within one surgical gynecology department over a five month period. Researchers captured NREs in real time using a validated tablet PC-based tool according to the NRE type, impact, whom was affected, and duration. Researchers also noted what surgical approach (i.e. open, laparoscopic, robotic) was used. RESULTS Across 45 surgical cases, 554 non-routine events (M = 12.31 NREs per case, SD = 9.81) were identified. The majority of non-routine events were external interruptions (40.3%), teamwork (26.7%), or equipment (21.3%). The circulating nurse was most frequently affected by NREs (43.2%) followed by the entire surgical team (13.7%). There was no statistically significant difference in non-routine events based on surgical approach. CONCLUSION Non-routine events are prevalent in the gynecological surgical setting. Identifying the sociotechnical factors that influence non-routine events are important in determining interventions that will combat the associated risks. Interventions focusing on teamwork, managing external interruptions, and coordinating equipment may have the greatest impact to reduce or eliminate NREs in gynecological surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Law
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | | | - Hunter J Hawthorne
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - M Susan Hallbeck
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | | | - Sean C Dowdy
- Division of Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Renaldo C Blocker
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Forsyth KL, Hawthorne HJ, El-Sherif N, Varghese RS, Ernste VK, Koenig J, Blocker RC. Interruptions Experienced by Emergency Nurses: Implications for Subjective and Objective Measures of Workload. J Emerg Nurs 2018; 44:614-623. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Schneider A, Wehler M, Weigl M. Provider interruptions and patient perceptions of care: an observational study in the emergency department. BMJ Qual Saf 2018; 28:296-304. [PMID: 30337495 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2018-007811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interruptions are endemic in healthcare work environments. Yet, they can have positive effects in some instances and negative in others, with their net effect on quality of care still poorly understood. We aimed to distinguish beneficial and detrimental forms of interruptions of emergency department (ED) providers using patients' perceptions of ED care as a quality measure. METHODS An observational design was established. The study setting was an interdisciplinary ED of an academic tertiary referral hospital. Frequencies of interruption sources and contents were identified in systematic expert observations of ED physicians and nurses. Concurrently, patients rated overall quality of care, ED organisation, patient information and waiting times using a standardised survey. Associations were assessed with hierarchical linear models controlling for daily ED workload. Regression results were adjusted for multiple testing. Additionally, analyses were computed for ED physicians and nurses, separately. RESULTS On 40 days, 160 expert observation sessions were conducted. 1418 patients were surveyed. Frequent interruptions initiated by patients were associated with higher overall quality of care and ED organisation. Interruptions relating to coordination activities were associated with improved ratings of ED waiting times. However, interruptions containing information on previous cases were associated with inferior ratings of ED organisation. Specifically for nurses, overall interruptions were associated with superior patient reports of waiting time. CONCLUSIONS Provider interruptions were differentially associated with patient perceptions of care. Whereas coordination-related and patient-initiated interruptions were beneficial to patient-perceived efficiency of ED operations, interruptions due to case-irrelevant communication were related to inferior patient ratings of ED organisation. The design of resilient healthcare systems requires a thorough consideration of beneficial and harmful effects of interruptions on providers' workflows and patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schneider
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich
| | - Markus Wehler
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Weigl
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich
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