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10:38
A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
Barriers to critical thinking: workflow interruptions and task switching among nurses
Paul Cornell1, Monica Riordan, Mary Townsend-Gervis
1Healthcare Practice Transformation, Dallas, Texas, USA. ptcornell@gmail.com
The Journal of Nursing Administration
|September 22, 2011
Summary
Nurses
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Cognitive Science
- Healthcare Operations
Background:
- Nurses require critical thinking for optimal patient care.
- Current healthcare workflows often involve frequent interruptions and task-switching.
- These workflow characteristics may impede nurses' cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cognitive impact of nursing workflow.
- To analyze task duration, sequence, and switching in hospital settings.
- To determine if workflow conditions support or hinder critical thinking.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of 19 nurses across two hospital units (medical/surgical and pediatric oncology).
- Detailed recording of tasks, tools, collaborators, and locations over 85.2 hours.
- Analysis of task duration, sequence patterns, and workflow characteristics.
Main Results:
- Observed nursing tasks were predominantly short, with over 50% lasting less than 30 seconds.
- Workflow sequences showed minimal patterns and repetition, indicating frequent task switching.
- Despite differences in patient load and acuity, the overall workflow character was similar across units.
Conclusions:
- The highly fragmented and non-repetitive nature of nursing workflow imposes a significant cognitive load.
- Limited uninterrupted time and constant task switching create conditions unfavorable for critical thinking.
- Workflow redesign may be necessary to support nurses' cognitive demands and enhance critical thinking.
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