Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2026
Integrated Compensatory Responses in a Human Model of Hemorrhage
Published on: November 20, 2016
Evaluation of Physical and Mental Workload and Transfusion Time in Trauma Resuscitation
Justin L Miller1, Patricia A Patrician, Michelle R Brown
1Author Affiliations: Director, Inpatient Service Line, Madigan, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington (Dr Miller); Professor Emerita in Nursing, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Nursing, Birmingham, Alabama (Dr Patrician); Professor, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Health Services Administration Program Director, Healthcare Simulation Director of Research, Office of Interprofessional Simulation, Birmingham, Alabama (Dr Brown); Associate Professor, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Nursing, Birmingham, Alabama (Dr Li); Nurse Scientist, En Route Care Research Center, US Air Force 59 Medical Wing, San Antonio, Texas (Dr Mann-Salinas); Professor, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery, Birmingham, Alabama (Dr Holcomb) and Assistant Professor, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Nursing, Birmingham, Alabama (Dr Jones).
Background:
Trauma resuscitation is time sensitive and complex. Whole blood (WB) and blood components are standard treatments for trauma related hemorrhage, yet their nursing workload and transfusion time have not been well evaluated.
Purpose:
To assess feasibility of a simulation-based crossover trial and obtain preliminary estimates comparing nursing workload and transfusion completion time between WB and blood component administration.
Methods:
A randomized crossover pilot study using in situ simulation was conducted with experienced trauma nurses. Time-motion analysis measured transfusion completion time, and the National Aeronautical and Space Administration Task Load Index assessed workload domains.
Results:
Strong feasibility was demonstrated across recruitment, retention, adherence, and completion. WB was associated with significantly shorter transfusion time, lower overall workload and mental demand, less effort, and better perceived performance.
Conclusions:
These findings support the feasibility and justify a fully powered trial. WB may improve resuscitation efficiency and reduce cognitive burden, with potential implications for patient outcomes and nursing workflow.
