Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with a total 20 surgical ICU care providers including three attending physicians, two residents, six nurses, three quality improvement coordinators, two infection control practitioners, two respiratory therapists and two pharmacists. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was performed using a grounded theory approach. A new framework called “systems ambiguity” that can be used to explain and prevent care providers' non-compliance with evidence-based guidelines emerged from the data. We define systems ambiguity as “uncertainty or vagueness that may prevent a work system from achieving its purpose.” Five major types of ambiguity that can affect care providers' compliance behaviors have been identified: task ambiguity, responsibility ambiguity, expectation ambiguity, method ambiguity, and exception ambiguity. Systems ambiguity framework can be used to (1) identify the underlying causes of care providers’ non-compliance with guidelines aimed at preventing HAI, and (2) guide efforts for developing effective interventions aimed at improving compliance rates. Future research should focus on designing multi-faceted interventions based on the systems ambiguity framework and evaluating the impact of these interventions.
Source: BMC Proceedings
Authors: AP Gurses, Y Xiao, K Seidl
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medical Services
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,290
OpenAlex ID: W1984057883