Interruption in the work of nursing professionals: conceptual analysis

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Interruptions are common in nursing work.
• Understanding these interruptions is crucial for patient safety.
• Previous research has not fully defined the concept of interruption in nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the concept of "interruption in the work of nursing professionals".
• To establish an operational definition for "interruption in the work of nursing professionals".

Main Methods:

• Conceptual study using the Walker and Avant method.
• Integrative literature review of 36 studies.
• Searched databases for "Attention", "Attention Bias", "Health Personnel", "Nurses", "Patient Safety", and "Medical Malpractices".

Main Results:

• Antecedents include alarms, phone calls, patient care, and material shortages.
• Defining attributes are pause, suspension, breakage, and intrusion.
• Consequences involve increased medication errors and shift in focus.

Conclusions:

• An operational definition for nursing interruptions was developed.
• This analysis will aid in improving work processes.
• It will support the creation of strategies for safer patient care.