An Observational Study on Nursing Workflows: Task Distribution and Burden Analysis (original) (raw)

2024, An Observational Study on Nursing Workflows: Task Distribution and Burden Analysis

Background & Objective: Nurses play an important role in healthcare delivery but face workflow burdens that impact job satisfaction and patient care.1,2,3,7 Understanding these burdens is essential for developing interventions to improve nursing efficiency and well-being. The purpose of this study is to analyze the workflow of nurses, identify the most significant burdens they encounter and determine which aspects can be mitigated. Methods: This observational study was conducted across general-medicine units at large health systems. Eight full-time registered nurses were observed over 56 sessions totaling 210 hours during 12-hour day shifts. A structured observation instrument was used to record time allocation across various activities, frequencies of tasks, and perceived burden ratings. Data were analyzed to identify tasks consuming the most time and those rated as most burdensome by nurses. Results: Nurses spent a significant portion of their time on documentation, with an average of 186 minutes per 12-hour shift dedicated to electronic health record (EHR) charting and review. Documentation was rated as the most burdensome task by all participating nurses. Delegable tasks, such as vital sign monitoring and patient positioning, accounted for 24 minutes per 12-hour shift and were also rated in burden due to staffing shortages. Indirect medication tasks and frequent communication interruptions further added to workload stress. The study identified key areas where technology could alleviate these burdens, such as streamlining documentation processes, enhancing task delegation, improving medication management systems, and optimizing communication channels. Conclusions: The study highlights workflow burdens faced by nurses that can be mitigated through targeted technological interventions. Addressing these issues is important for improving nurse satisfaction, enhancing patient care, and ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery.