An interruption was found to have no consistent definition in either healthcare or nonhealthcare literature. Walker and Avant's 8-step method of concept analysis was used to clarify, define, and develop a conceptual model of interruption. The analysis led to the identification of 5 defining attributes that include (1) a human experience; (2) an intrusion of a secondary, unplanned, and unexpected task; (3) discontinuity; (4) externally or internally initiated; and (5) situated within a context. Use of the defining attributes will be extended to form a category of interruption within a taxonomy of activity.
Background-The emergency department has been characterized as interrupt-driven. Government agencies and patient safety organization recognize that interruptions contribute to medical errors. The purpose of this study was to observe, record, and contextualize activities and interruptions experienced by physicians and Registered Nurses (RNs) working in a Level One Trauma Center.
Background
Previous research studies have focused on the recipients of interruptions because of the negative impact interruptions have on task performance. It is equally important to understand the initiators of interruptions to help design strategies to lessen the number of interruptions and the possible negatives consequences. The purpose of this study was to examine MDs and RNs as initiators and recipients of interruptions.
Methods
This was an instrumental case study using the shadowing method. A convenience sample of five attending trauma MDs and eight RNs were observed during the 0700–1500 and 1500–2100 shifts in the trauma section of a level one trauma center.
Result
Seventy hours of observations were recorded. Initiator and recipient of an interruption emerged as major roles during categorization of the notes. Medical doctors and RNs were found to be the recipient of an interruption more frequently than the initiator. Findings from this study indicate that MDs and RNs initiate interruptions most often through face-to-face interactions and use of the telephone.
Conclusions
A role-based taxonomy of interruptions was derived from the recorded notes. Strategies to successfully manage interruptions must consider both the role of initiator as well as the recipient when an interruption occurs. It is suggested that the role-based taxonomy presented in this paper be used to classify interruptions in future studies.
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