The recently published study, “Work Systems Analysis of Emergency Nurse Patient Flow Management Using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety Model,” by Ellen Benjamin and Karen K. Giuliano, delves into the challenges of managing patient flow in emergency departments (EDs) of hospitals. Using the SEIPS (Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety) model, the research highlights the human factors that shape nursing work systems and their impact on patient care outcomes.
This study analyzed data from interviews, focus groups, and field observations across four emergency departments. Findings emphasize the complexity of patient flow management, impacted by various interconnected factors, including:
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Individual nursing characteristics: Clinical judgment, time management, situational awareness, and adaptability are key traits that influence efficiency and safety.
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Technology and tools: Issues with usability and accessibility of health information systems can hinder decision-making and workflow.
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Environmental factors: ED layouts, resource levels, and interdepartmental communication affect the speed and quality of care.
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Cultural and organizational norms: Departmental teamwork, staff roles, and administrative policies influence how effectively patient flow challenges are managed.
The study calls for targeted interventions such as enhanced nurse training, redesign of health information systems, and fostering collaboration between nurses, administrators, and human factors engineers. By centering on the human element, this research offers a framework for improving emergency department operations and patient safety.
Ellen Benjamin, RN, CEN, Assistant Professor at UMass Boston’s Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, specializes in emergency nursing work systems and patient flow management. Dr. Karen K. Giuliano, RN, MBA, Co-Director of the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation and Professor in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and the Institute for Applied Life Sciences at UMass Amherst, focuses on healthcare innovations that improve patient outcomes. Both authors contribute to interdisciplinary research at the Elaine Marieb Center, bridging nursing and engineering to advance healthcare practices and technologies. Learn more about the Center’s mission and ongoing research here.
Read the full open-access article on JMIR Human Factors