Cognitive Workload of Computerized Nursing Process in Intensive Care Units

Area of Science:

• Nursing Informatics
• Healthcare Management
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• The nursing process is critical in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Evaluating cognitive workload associated with different documentation methods is essential for optimizing nursing practice.
• The International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) provides a standardized framework for nursing terminology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the cognitive workload of nurses using printed versus computerized nursing process documentation based on the ICNP in ICUs.
• To identify specific cognitive load components influenced by each documentation method.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, before-and-after quasi-experimental design was employed.
• Thirty participants from intensive care units were included in the study.
• Cognitive workload was measured using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task-Load Index (NASA-TLX), assessing six cognitive categories.

Main Results:

• Temporal demand was the primary contributor to overall cognitive workload.
• The printed nursing process demonstrated a higher impact on the 'performance' cognitive category compared to the computerized method.
• The computerized nursing process was associated with a lower overall cognitive workload.

Conclusions:

• Computerized nursing process documentation, utilizing the ICNP, functions as a decision-support system, thereby reducing nurses' cognitive workload.
• The structured data, information, diagnoses, interventions, and results within a computerized system enhance safe decision-making for nurses.
• Implementing computerized nursing process documentation offers a reliable strategy for improving healthcare quality and patient safety in ICUs by reducing errors and adverse events.