Ergonomics

The relation of Ergonomics and Anthropometric Methods & Health Care setting design

Four (4) Main Parts of Research Methods and Design in Ergonomics:

Research relationship with people's study (theory and hypothesis)

Site selection and sampling decisions (setting and population)

Data collection methods (survey, measurements)

Data analysis types and techniques (statistical analyses)

Three (3) different research methods

Descriptive

Can be qualitative or quantitative

Descriptive statistics tell "what is,"

Different from using inferential statistic

Pure fact, no relationships between cause, effect

Assess magnitude or scope of problem and suggest ideas for future research

Experimental

Manipulation of variables

Scientific Method

Use to determine causal relationship or significant correlational relationship

Evaluation

Shares elements in common with experimental and descriptive

Examines system or product

Describes relationship between subject and the system/product

Research with regards to ergonomics in health care environment: Keypoints

Case1: The Role of Qualitative Methods in Designing Health Care Organizations

Hospitals not always designed with ergonomics in mind

Need more research

Case 2: The physical environment of the person with Alzheimer's disease

Behavioral observations very helpful as a research method

Individual affect observation (watch emotional responses)

Case 3: Implementation of Cycled Lighting in a Single-Room Neonatal ICU

Good illumination needed in health care

Concept of critical care area (environmental factors in clinical environment)

Sleep disturbances in patients are caused by noise, lighting, patient care activities, vital signs, phlebotomy, and medication administration during the night

Nursery lighting has impact on infant development in neonatal care

Difficult for staff in health care to break old habits

Compliance easiest with night shift nurses

Need for dimmer switches

Importance of positive feedback for nurses to encourage proper lighting procedures.

Circadian rhythm, related to neurological functioning

Upon stimulation, the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus stimulates release or inhibition of melatonin, serotonin, cortisol, and other hormones that regulate various body functions (p. 9).

Qualitative Research in Ergonomics:

Methods of Qualitative Research

Observations

systematic qualitative observational methods individual affect observation (emotional responses)

detailed description of environment

Focus Groups

Interviews

Consumer surveys

Features of Qualitative Research

Narrative descriptions plus analysis

Emphasis on words, actions, and their meanings

Limitations of Qualitative Research

Too much data/data overload

Researcher bias

Lack of external validity/generalizability