Human factors/ergonomics work system analysis of patient work: state of the science and future directions

Purpose: To demonstrate the use and value of the Human Factors/Ergonomics-based Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) family of work system models for studying and improving patient work.

Data sources: We conducted a review of the published empirical literature applying the SEIPS family of work system models for patient work.

Study selection: Included studies had to apply one of the SEIPS family of work system models to study patient work; be published in a peer-reviewed journal in English and include analysis of data. We identified 16 articles that met our inclusion criteria.

Data extraction: For each study, we extracted settings and situations in which models were applied; research design; study methods; model(s) used; type and number of study participants; study objective(s); whether the study included an intervention; specific aspects of the model used; knowledge generated about patient work and benefits of using the models.

Results of data synthesis: Our analysis revealed that a majority of studies were conducted in the United States, used qualitative or mixed methods and employed a variety of data collection techniques to study adult patient populations with chronic illness and their informal caregivers and healthcare providers performing patient work in the home and clinical setting. The studies resulted in a variety of useful products, demonstrating several benefits of using the models.

Conclusion: Our review has demonstrated the value of using the SEIPS family of work systems models to study and improve patient and family contributions to health-related work.