Human factors/ergonomics work system analysis of patient work: state of the science and future directions

Abstract

Purpose To demonstrate the use and value of the Human Factors/Ergonomics-based Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) family of work system models for studying and improving patient work. Data Sources : We conducted a review of the published empirical literature applying the SEIPS family of work system models for patient work. Study Selection Included studies had to: apply one of the SEIPS family of work system models to study patient work; be published in a peer-reviewed journal in English; and include analysis of data. We identified 16 articles that met our inclusion criteria. Data Extraction For each study we extracted: settings and situations in which models were applied; research design; study methods; model(s) used; type and number of study participants; study objective(s); whether the study included an intervention; specific aspects of the model used; knowledge generated about patient work; and benefits of using the models. Results of data synthesis Our analysis revealed that a majority of studies were conducted in the United States, used qualitative or mixed methods, and employed a variety of data collection techniques to study adult patient populations with chronic illness and their informal caregivers and healthcare providers performing patient work in the home and clinical setting. The studies resulted in a variety of useful products, demonstrating several benefits of using the models. Conclusion Our review has demonstrated the value of using the SEIPS family of work systems models to study and improve patient and family contributions to health-related work.

Primary Care Patients’ and Staff’s Perceptions of Self-Rooming as Alternative to Waiting Rooms

“…This study demonstrated that even without investments in mobile communication technology or building redesigns, self-rooming is acceptable to patients and staff. In line with human factors engineering models of work systems design, [8][9][10][11] this finding suggests that our redesigned workflow is well aligned with the user needs of patient and staff, with task and organizational features adequately balancing out the absences of dedicated technology and building infrastructure. Most patients selected self-rooming as their preferred rooming process and few felt it was less patient friendly than escorted rooming.…”

SEIPS 101 and seven simple SEIPS tools

“…Various versions of the SEIPS model have been used by academics and practitioners, but a recent review argued that broader use and benefits can be achieved through 'an easy-to-use version of the model and simplified tools for model application'. 6 This concords with repeated requests we have received for simple, practical tools to apply SEIPS and with the general critique regarding the dearth of easy to use systems engineering tools. 7 Accordingly, we offer SEIPS 101, a simplified, practice-oriented SEIPS model meant for easy use by practitioners, researchers and others, regardless of prior familiarity with SEIPS.…”

Impact of Home Blood Pressure Data Visualization on Hypertension Medical Decision Making in Primary Care

“…There is increasing attention within human factors models on understanding and supporting patients as active participants in their health and care. [28][29][30] Additional work is needed to improve home BP data entry tools to support patient independence in this process; in particular, more development is needed to provide patients with cues and feedback to confirm that they have successfully completed the task. Additionally, trying to better incorporate these data in clinical decision making honors the patient effort required to collect and share these data.…”