Human factors considerations in designing for infection prevention and control in neonatal care – findings from a pre-design inquiry

Trudel, Chantal; Cobb, Sue; Momtahan, Kathryn; Brintnell, Janet; Mitchell, Ann

Abstract

Qualitative data collection methods drawn from the early stages of human-centred design frameworks combined with thematic analysis were used to develop an understanding of infection prevention practice within an existing neonatal intensive care unit. Findings were used to generate a framework of understanding which in turn helped inform a baseline approach for future research and design development. The study revealed that a lack of clarity between infection transmission zones and a lack of design attributes needed to uphold infection prevention measures may be undermining healthcare workers’ understanding and application of good practice. The issue may be further complicated by well-intentioned behavioural attitudes to meeting work objectives; undue influences from spatial constraints; the influence of inadvertent and excessive touch-based interactions; physical and/or cognitive exertion to maintain transmission barriers; and the impact of expanding job design and increased workload to supplement for lack of effective barriers.

Citation

Trudel, C., Cobb, S., Momtahan, K., Brintnell, J., & Mitchell, A. (in press). Human factors considerations in designing for infection prevention and control in neonatal care – findings from a pre-design inquiry. Ergonomics, https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2017.1330967

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 9, 2017
• Online Publication Date: May 31, 2017
• Deposit Date: Aug 2, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 2, 2017
• Journal: Ergonomics
• Print ISSN: 0014-0139
• Electronic ISSN: 1366-5847
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Open
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2017.1330967
• Keywords: Infection prevention and control, neonatal intensive care unit, human factors, ergonomics design
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/863923
• Publisher URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00140139.2017.1330967
• Additional Information: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Ergonomics on 31 May 2017, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/00140139.2017.1330967