J Korean Acad Nurs Adm.  2019 Sep;25(4):272-281. 10.11111/jkana.2019.25.4.272.

Concept Analysis of the Work Interruption by Nurses

• Yu EJ
• Lee EN
• Kim JM
• Jun HJ

• KMID: 2459614
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11111/jkana.2019.25.4.272

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of nurse's work interruptions.
METHODS
Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was used to analyze this concept. Relevant articles published before August 2018 were searched through MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, KISS, and RISS databases using "interruption,""work or task," and "nurse" as keywords.
RESULTS
The attributes of work interruption by nurses were as follows: 1) new tasks to do; 2) cognitive transition of work priorities; 3) loss of work continuity; 4) tasks to be resumed. The antecedents of work interruption were intrusion of unplanned events, internal and external factors that result in nurses forgetting their original intentions, an unpredictable work environment, and cultural climate where interruptions are considered as a part of the work process. The consequences of work interruption were decline in job satisfaction, trigger of work errors, lengthening of work completion time, decline in work productivity, increase in work stress, and delay of transferring needed information in a timely manner.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study provide basic data to reduce the negative consequences of nurses' work interruptions, and contribute to expanding the knowledge necessary for improving patients' safety and nurses' performance.

Keyword

Analysis; Nurse; Work performance

MeSH Terms

Climate
Efficiency
Intention
Job Satisfaction
Methods
Walkers
Work Performance

Figure

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  Figure 1 Preferred reporting items for concept analysis of interruption.

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  Figure 2 Conceptual structure of interruption.

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