Distractions and interruptions in the intensive care unit: a field observation and a simulator experiment

Distractions and interruptions are frequently mentioned as sources of errors in healthcare research, and laboratory research has shown that they can disrupt cognition. However, the current evidence that distractions and interruptions cause patient harm is mixed. In two studies in an intensive care unit, we investigated whether and when distractions and interruptions might lead nurses to forget critical care tasks. Study 1 was an observational study using a mobile eye tracker. It investigated which properties of an interruption influence resumption times and how nurses manage distractions and interruptions. Study 2 was a controlled experiment in a full-scale patient simulator. It investigated whether reminders improve nurses' ability to remember routine tasks when multitasking and resume interrupted routine tasks. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of the studies.