Applying human factors methods to explore ‘Work as Imagined’ and ‘Work as Done’ in the Emergency Department’s response to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events
Saydia Razak
Sue Hignett
Jo Barnes
Graham Hancox
2134/34610
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/conference_contribution/Applying_human_factors_methods_to_explore_Work_as_Imagined_and_Work_as_Done_in_the_Emergency_Department_s_response_to_chemical_biological_radiological_and_nuclear_events/9352919
The Emergency Department (ED) is a complex, hectic, and high-pressured environment.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) events are multi-faceted emergencies and present numerous challenges to ED staff (first receivers) with large scale trauma, consequently requiring a combination of complex responses.
Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) methods such as Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) have been used in healthcare research. However, HF/E methods and theory have not been combined to understand how the ED responds to CBRN events.
This study aimed to compare Work as Imagined (WAI) and Work as Done (WAD) in the ED CBRN response in a UK based hospital. WAI was established by carrying out document analyses on a CBRN plan and WAD by exploring
first receivers response to CBRN scenario cards. The responses were converted to HTAs and compared. The WAI HTAs showed 4-8 phases of general organizational responsibilities
during a CBRN event. WAD HTAs placed emphasis on diagnosing and treating
presenting conditions. A comparison of WAI and WAD HTAs highlighted common actions and tasks. This study has identified three key differences between WAI and WAD in the ED CBRN response: 1) documentation of the
CBRN event 2) treating the patient and 3) diagnosing the presenting complaint.
Findings from this study provide an evidence base which can be used to inform future clinical policy and practice in providing safe and high quality care during CBRN events in the ED.
2018-08-20 14:10:15
Human factors and ergonomics
CBRN events
Emergency Department
Design Practice and Management not elsewhere classified