Sociotechnical Work System Approach to Occupational Fatigue

Area of Science:

• Healthcare.
• Occupational Health.
• Systems Engineering.

Background:

• Occupational fatigue, characterized by excessive workload and reduced capacity, is studied in various industries.
• In healthcare, occupational fatigue affects physicians, nurses, and medical residents, impacting patient safety, employee well-being, and organizational outcomes.
• A sociotechnical systems approach is needed to understand occupational fatigue's multidimensional facets, influencing factors, and consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conceptual framework for occupational fatigue in healthcare professionals.
• To describe the multidimensional aspects of occupational fatigue.
• To explore individual and work system factors contributing to occupational fatigue and its downstream implications.

Main Methods:

• The conceptual framework is based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model.
• It is adapted from the Conceptual Model of Occupational Fatigue in Nursing.
• The framework integrates individual and work system factors within a sociotechnical systems perspective.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework provides a tool to describe occupational fatigue in healthcare professionals.
• It aids in identifying causes and generating solutions for occupational fatigue.
• The framework highlights the need to consider the entire sociotechnical system for effective interventions.

Conclusions:

• A sociotechnical systems approach is crucial for understanding and mitigating occupational fatigue in healthcare.
• Interventions must address the broader work system, not solely individual behaviors.
• This framework can guide future research and the development of targeted solutions for healthcare professional fatigue.