Cognitive work analysis to evaluate the problem of patient falls in an inpatient setting.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To identify factors in the nursing work domain that contribute to the problem of inpatient falls, aside from patient risk, using cognitive work analysis.

Design

A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods were used to identify work constraints imposed on nurses, which may underlie patient falls.

Measurements

Data collection was done on a neurology unit staffed by 27 registered nurses and utilized field observations, focus groups, time-motion studies and written surveys (AHRQ Hospital Survey on Patient Culture, NASA-TLX, and custom Nursing Knowledge of Fall Prevention Subscale).

Results

Four major constraints were identified that inhibit nurses' ability to prevent patient falls. All constraints relate to work processes and the physical work environme

SUBMITTER: Lopez KD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2945713 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature