Work domain analysis of an intensive care unit : An Abstraction Hierarchy based on a bed-side approach

• Work in intensive care units requires interaction with several medical devices and interpretation of dynamic information from several sources. The aim of the current study was to gain understanding of the work domain to support the development of a holistic information environment and further analyses of risky situations. A total of 18 hours of bed-side observations at an intensive care unit and interviews with three experienced intensive care unit nurses were conducted in order to receive input data for the modelling of the work domain. The domain was modelled in an abstraction hierarchy, as according to the first phase of the cognitive work analysis framework. The results show that the ultimate purpose of the work carried out in an intensive care unit is keeping patients alive while gaining time for treatment, but also to perform treatment and relieve symptoms. The purpose is represented at the top level of the model, and lower levels include functions as supporting the patients’ vital functions and avoiding secondary complications. With this work domain analysis as a basis, three different design challenges identified can be dealt with systematically.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Data- och informationsvetenskap -- Människa-datorinteraktion (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Computer and Information Sciences -- Human Computer Interaction (hsv//eng)

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