Effects of different types of interference on nurses' working memory: An ERP study

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Nursing Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Nurses frequently encounter interruptions and distractions in clinical environments.
• Working memory and attention control are critical for safe and efficient nursing practice.
• The specific impact of different interference types on nurses' cognitive functions requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how different types of interference (interruptions vs. distractions) affect nurses' working memory.
• To elucidate the role of attention control in modulating these effects.
• To identify potential strategies for mitigating negative impacts in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• A within-subjects, repeated measures design was employed with 31 registered nurses.
• Participants completed a delay-recognition task under four conditions: interrupting stimulus, distracting stimulus, no interference, and passive viewing.
• Behavioral data and electroencephalogram (EEG) data were collected and analyzed using MATLAB and EEGLAB.

Main Results:

• Interruption significantly altered accuracy and false alarm rates compared to distraction and no interference conditions.
• EEG data showed significant differences between correct and incorrect responses during interruptions.
• Attention control mechanisms differed between interruption and distraction, with specific correlations found between attention control indices and task accuracy/latency.

Conclusions:

• Interruptions and distractions exert distinct effects on nurses' working memory and attention control.
• Interventions should be developed to minimize the negative consequences of interference, particularly the time taken to re-engage with tasks after interruptions.
• Optimizing human-computer interaction, such as through interface design, can enhance nursing efficiency and patient safety.