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Lamé G, Liberati EG, Canham A, Burt J, Hinton L, Draycott T, Winter C, Dakin FH, Richards N, Miller L, Willars J, Dixon-Woods M. Why is safety in intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring so hard? A qualitative study combining human factors/ergonomics and social science analysis. BMJ Qual Saf 2024; 33:246-256. [PMID: 37945341 PMCID: PMC10982615 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2023-016144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Problems in intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring with cardiotocography (CTG) remain a major area of preventable harm. Poor understanding of the range of influences on safety may have hindered improvement. Taking an interdisciplinary perspective, we sought to characterise the everyday practice of CTG monitoring and the work systems within which it takes place, with the goal of identifying potential sources of risk. METHODS Human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) experts and social scientists conducted 325 hours of observations and 23 interviews in three maternity units in the UK, focusing on how CTG tasks were undertaken, the influences on this work and the cultural and organisational features of work settings. HF/E analysis was based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety 2.0 model. Social science analysis was based on the constant comparative method. RESULTS CTG monitoring can be understood as a complex sociotechnical activity, with tasks, people, tools and technology, and organisational and external factors all combining to affect safety. Fetal heart rate patterns need to be recorded and interpreted correctly. Systems are also required for seeking the opinions of others, determining whether the situation warrants concern, escalating concerns and mobilising response. These processes may be inadequately designed or function suboptimally, and may be further complicated by staffing issues, equipment and ergonomics issues, and competing and frequently changing clinical guidelines. Practice may also be affected by variable standards and workflows, variations in clinical competence, teamwork and situation awareness, and the ability to communicate concerns freely. CONCLUSIONS CTG monitoring is an inherently collective and sociotechnical practice. Improving it will require accounting for complex system interdependencies, rather than focusing solely on discrete factors such as individual technical proficiency in interpreting traces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Lamé
- Laboratoire Génie Industriel, CentraleSupélec, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elisa Giulia Liberati
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jenni Burt
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lisa Hinton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Francesca Helen Dakin
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Natalie Richards
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucy Miller
- University Division of Anaesthesia, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Janet Willars
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Mary Dixon-Woods
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Sandall J. Intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring: imperfect technologies and clinical uncertainties-what can a human factors and social science approach add? BMJ Qual Saf 2024; 33:220-222. [PMID: 38242584 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2023-016716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
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Vassy C, Sauvegrain P, Deneux-Tharaux C. Organization and quality of care in childbirth in private for-profit maternity units in France: Risks of the deprofessionalization of midwives. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2024; 53:102772. [PMID: 38518831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In France, in 2007-2009, the risk of peripartum maternal mortality, especially the one due to hemorrhage, was higher in the private for-profit maternity units than in university maternity units. Our research, a component of the MATORG project, aimed to characterize the organization of care around childbirth in these private clinics to analyze how it might influence the quality and safety of care. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a qualitative survey in 2018 in the maternity units of two private for-profit clinics in the Paris region, interviewing 33 staff members (midwives, obstetricians, anesthesiologists, childcare assistants and managers) and observing in the delivery room for 20 days. The perspective of the sociology of organizations guided our data analysis. FINDINGS/RESULTS Our study distinguished three principal risk factors for the safety of care in maternity clinics. The division of labor among healthcare professionals threatens the maintenance of midwives' competencies and makes it difficult for these clinics to keep midwives on staff. The mode of remuneration of both midwives and obstetricians incentivizes overwork by both, inducing fatigue and decreasing vigilance. Finally the clinical decision-making of some obstetricians is not collegial and creates conflicts with midwives, who criticize the technicization of childbirth. Some demotivated midwives no longer consider themselves responsible for patients' safety. CONCLUSIONS The organization of work in private maternity units can put the safety of care around childbirth at risk. The division of labor, staff scheduling/planning, and a lack of collegiality in decision-making increase the risk of deprofessionalizing midwives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine Vassy
- IRIS UMR8156 - U997 - CNRS - Inserm - EHESS, Université de Paris 13 Sorbonne Paris Nord, Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Sur les Enjeux Sociaux (IRIS), Université Paris 13 Sorbonne Paris Nord, 9 rue de Chablis, Bobigny 93 000, France.
| | - Priscille Sauvegrain
- Équipe de Recherche en Épidémiologie Obstétricale, Périnatale et Pédiatrique (EPOPé), CRESS U1153, INSERM, INRAE, Université Paris Cité, Maternité Port-Royal, 123 Boulevard Port-Royal, Paris 75014, France; AP-HP, Faculté de Santé, Sorbonne Université, 91 boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris 75013, France
| | - Catherine Deneux-Tharaux
- Équipe de Recherche en Épidémiologie Obstétricale, Périnatale et Pédiatrique (EPOPé), CRESS U1153, INSERM, INRAE, Université Paris Cité, Maternité Port-Royal, 123 Boulevard Port-Royal, Paris 75014, France
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Sutton E, Booth L, Ibrahim M, McCulloch P, Sujan M, Willars J, Mackintosh N. Am I safe? An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Vulnerability as Experienced by Patients With Complications Following Surgery. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2078-2089. [PMID: 36321384 PMCID: PMC9709529 DOI: 10.1177/10497323221136956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal surgery carries with it risks of complications. Little is known about patients' experiences of post-surgical deterioration. There is a real need to understand the psychosocial as well as the biological aspects of deterioration in order to improve care and outcomes for patients. Drawing on in-depth interviews with seven abdominal surgery survivors, we present an idiographic account of participants' experiences, situating their contribution to safety within their personal lived experiences and meaning-making of these episodes of deterioration. Our analysis reveals an overarching group experiential theme of vulnerability in relation to participants' experiences of complications after abdominal surgery. This encapsulates the uncertainty of the situation all the participants found themselves in, and the nature and seriousness of their health conditions. The extent of participants' vulnerability is revealed by detailing how they made sense of their experience, how they negotiated feelings of (un)safety drawing on their relationships with family and staff and the legacy of feelings they were left with when their expectations of care (care as imagined) did not meet the reality of their experiences (care as received). The participants' experiences highlight the power imbalance between patients and professionals in terms of whose knowledge counts within the hospital context. The study reveals the potential for epistemic injustice to arise when patients' concerns are ignored or dismissed. Our data has implications for designing strategies to enable escalation of care, both in terms of supporting staff to deliver compassionate care, and in strengthening patient and family involvement in rescue processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Sutton
- Department of Health Sciences,
University
of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Mudathir Ibrahim
- Nuffield Department of Surgical
Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of General Surgery,
Maimonides
Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Peter McCulloch
- Nuffield Department of Surgical
Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark Sujan
- Nuffield Department of Surgical
Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Human Factors Everywhere
Ltd., UK
| | - Janet Willars
- Department of Health Sciences,
University
of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Nicola Mackintosh
- Department of Health Sciences,
University
of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Black GB, van Os S, Machen S, Fulop NJ. Ethnographic research as an evolving method for supporting healthcare improvement skills: a scoping review. BMC Med Res Methodol 2021; 21:274. [PMID: 34865630 PMCID: PMC8647364 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-021-01466-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between ethnography and healthcare improvement has been the subject of methodological concern. We conducted a scoping review of ethnographic literature on healthcare improvement topics, with two aims: (1) to describe current ethnographic methods and practices in healthcare improvement research and (2) to consider how these may affect habit and skill formation in the service of healthcare improvement. METHODS We used a scoping review methodology drawing on Arksey and O'Malley's methods and more recent guidance. We systematically searched electronic databases including Medline, PsychINFO, EMBASE and CINAHL for papers published between April 2013 - April 2018, with an update in September 2019. Information about study aims, methodology and recommendations for improvement were extracted. We used a theoretical framework outlining the habits and skills required for healthcare improvement to consider how ethnographic research may foster improvement skills. RESULTS We included 283 studies covering a wide range of healthcare topics and methods. Ethnography was commonly used for healthcare improvement research about vulnerable populations, e.g. elderly, psychiatry. Focussed ethnography was a prominent method, using a rapid feedback loop into improvement through focus and insider status. Ethnographic approaches such as the use of theory and focus on every day practices can foster improvement skills and habits such as creativity, learning and systems thinking. CONCLUSIONS We have identified that a variety of ethnographic approaches can be relevant to improvement. The skills and habits we identified may help ethnographers reflect on their approaches in planning healthcare improvement studies and guide peer-review in this field. An important area of future research will be to understand how ethnographic findings are received by decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra van Os
- Department of Applied Health Research, UCL, London, UK
| | | | - Naomi J Fulop
- Department of Applied Health Research, UCL, London, UK
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Samuriwo R, Bullock A, Webb K, Monrouxe LV. 'Nurses whisper.' Identities in nurses' patient safety narratives of nurse-trainee doctors' interactions. MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 55:1394-1406. [PMID: 34060110 DOI: 10.1111/medu.14575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Nurses are integral to patient safety, but little is known about their narrative constructions of identity in relation to their dyadic interactions with trainee doctors about patient safety and competence during the trajectory of a medical career. AIM We sought to examine how identities are constructed by experienced nurses in their narratives of patient safety encounters with trainee doctors. METHODS Our qualitative study gathered narrative data through semi-structured interviews with nurses of different professional standing (n = 20). Purposive sampling was used to recruit the first eight participants, with the remainder recruited through theoretical sampling. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively through a social constructionist framework and deductively using a competence framework. RESULTS We classified seven identities that participants constructed in their narratives of dyadic interactions with trainee doctors in relation to patient safety: nurses as teacher, guardian of patient wellbeing, provider of emotional support, provider of general support, expert advisor, navigator and team player. These identities related to the two key roles of nurses as educators and as practitioners. As they narrated these dyadic interactions, participants constructed identities that positioned trainee doctors in character tropes, suggesting gaps in professional competence: nurses as provider of general support was commonly narrated in the context of perceived deficits of personal or functional capabilities and nurses as team player was mainly associated with concerns (or reassurances) around ethical capabilities. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our findings are consistent with, and extend the wider literature on the development of professional competence, interprofessional collaboration in health care, and the nature and organisation of nursing work. Nurses' work in ensuring patient safety and support trainee doctors' professional development merits greater formal recognition and legitimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Samuriwo
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Wales Centre for Evidence Based Care, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alison Bullock
- Cardiff Unit for Research and Evaluation in Medical and Dental Education (CUREMeDE), School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Katie Webb
- Centre for Medical Education, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lynn V Monrouxe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Risk factors affecting maternal health outcomes in Rivers State of Nigeria: Towards the PRISMA model. Soc Sci Med 2020; 265:113520. [PMID: 33250317 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Existing research suggests that Nigeria accounts for about 23% of the world's maternal mortality ratio, with negative impacts on women's wellbeing and the country's socio-economic development. The underlying risk factors can be categorized into political influences, poor access to healthcare, inadequate utilization of health facilities, poor family planning support and complex pregnancy-related illness. Yet, the complex interrelations amongst the factors makes it difficult to ascertain the riskiest ones that affect women's reproduction and child death, with the existing intervening strategies failing to address the problem. This study identifies maternal health risk factors and prioritizes their management in Rivers State of Nigeria, using the Prevention and Recovery Information System for Monitoring and Analysis (PRISMA) model. Taking a quantitative turn, we applied exploratory factor analysis to analyze 174 returned questionnaires from healthcare professionals working in Rivers State and used the results to establish relationships between maternal health risk factors, prioritizing the riskiest factors. The outcomes indicate that the PRISMA model provides an effective framework for identifying and managing maternal mortality risks that can enable healthcare experts and managers to address the avoidable risk factors and mitigate the unavoidable patient-related risk factors in Nigeria. The implications for theory, practice and policy are discussed.
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Hospital accreditation: Driving best outcomes through continuity of midwifery care? A scoping review. Women Birth 2020; 34:113-121. [PMID: 32111556 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM Continuity of midwifery care models are the gold standard of maternity care. Despite being recommended by the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council, few women in Australia have access to such models. BACKGROUND Extensive research shows that if all women had access to continuity of midwifery care, maternal and neonatal outcomes would improve. Hospital accreditation, the main national safety and quality system in Australia, aims to encourage and enable the translation of healthcare quality and safety standards into practice. AIM This paper explored the realities and possibilities of a health care accreditation system driving health service re-organisation towards the provision of continuity of midwifery care for childbearing women. METHODS A scoping review sought literature at the macro (policy) level. From 3036 records identified, the final number of sources included was 100:73 research articles and eight expert opinion pieces/editorials from journals, 15 government/accreditation documents, three government/accreditation websites, and one thesis. FINDINGS Two narrative themes emerged: (1) Hospital accreditation: 'Here to stay' but no clear evidence and calls for change. (2) Measuring and implementing quality and safety in maternity care. DISCUSSION Regulatory frameworks drive hospitals' priorities, potentially creating conditions for change. The case for reform in the hospital accreditation system is persuasive and, in maternity services, clear. Mechanisms to actualise the required changes in maternity care are less apparent, but clearly possible. CONCLUSIONS Structural changes to Australia's health accreditation system are needed to prioritise, and mandate, continuity of midwifery care.
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Sutton E, Bion J, Aldridge C, Boyal A, Willars J, Tarrant C. Quality and safety of in-hospital care for acute medical patients at weekends: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:1015. [PMID: 30594209 PMCID: PMC6310936 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3833-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increased mortality risk associated with weekend admission to hospital (the 'weekend effect') has been reported across many health systems. More recently research has focused on causal mechanisms. Variations in the organisation and delivery of in-hospital care between weekends and weekdays have been identified, but this is not always to the detriment of weekend admissions, and the impact on mortality is uncertain. The insights of frontline staff and patients have been neglected. This article reports a qualitative study of patients and clinicians, to explore their views on quality and safety of care at weekends. METHODS We conducted focus groups and interviews with clinicians and patients with experience of acute medical care, recruited from three UK hospital Trusts. We analysed the data using a thematic analysis approach, aided by the use of NVivo, to explore quality and safety of care at weekends. RESULTS We held four focus groups and completed six in-depth interviews, with 19 clinicians and 12 patients. Four threats to quality and safety were identified as being more prominent at weekends, relating to i) the rescue and stabilisation of sick patients; ii) monitoring and responding to deterioration; iii) timely accurate management of the therapeutic pathway; iv) errors of omission and commission. CONCLUSIONS At weekends patients and staff are well aware of suboptimal staffing numbers, skill mix and access to resources at weekends, and identify that emergency admissions are prioritised over those already hospitalised. The consequences in terms of quality and safety and patient experience of care are undesirable. Our findings suggest the value of focusing on care processes and systems resilience over the weekends, and how these can be better supported, even in the limited resource environment that exists in many hospitals at weekends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Sutton
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Julian Bion
- University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Janet Willars
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Carolyn Tarrant
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce translational mobilization theory (TMT) and explore its application for healthcare quality improvement purposes. Design/methodology/approach TMT is a generic sociological theory that explains how projects of collective action are progressed in complex organizational contexts. This paper introduces TMT, outlines its ontological assumptions and core components, and explores its potential value for quality improvement using rescue trajectories as an illustrative case. Findings TMT has value for understanding coordination and collaboration in healthcare. Inviting a radical reconceptualization of healthcare organization, its potential applications include: mapping healthcare processes, understanding the role of artifacts in healthcare work, analyzing the relationship between content, context and implementation, program theory development and providing a comparative framework for supporting cross-sector learning. Originality/value Poor coordination and collaboration are well-recognized weaknesses in modern healthcare systems and represent important risks to quality and safety. While the organization and delivery of healthcare has been widely studied, and there is an extensive literature on team and inter-professional working, we lack readily accessible theoretical frameworks for analyzing collaborative work practices. TMT addresses this gap in understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davina Allen
- Department of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University , Cardiff, UK
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Mackintosh N, Sandall J, Collison C, Carter W, Harris J. Employing the arts for knowledge production and translation: Visualizing new possibilities for women speaking up about safety concerns in maternity. Health Expect 2018; 21:647-658. [PMID: 29341347 PMCID: PMC5980615 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This project used animated film to translate research findings into accessible health information aimed at enabling women to speak up and secure professional help for serious safety concerns during pregnancy and after birth. We tested as proof of concept our use of the arts both as product (knowledge production) and process (enabling involvement). BACKGROUND Emergencies during pregnancy and birth, while unusual, can develop rapidly and unexpectedly, with catastrophic consequences. Women's tacit knowledge of changes in their condition is an important resource to aid early detection, but women can worry about the legitimacy of their concerns and struggle to get these taken seriously by staff. DESIGN Arts-based knowledge translation. A user group of women who had experienced complications in the perinatal period (n = 34) helped us develop and pilot test the animation. Obstetricians and midwives (15), clinical leads (3) and user group representatives (8) helped with the design and testing. FINDINGS The consultation process, script and storyboard enabled active interaction with the evidence, meaningful engagement with stakeholders and new understandings about securing help for perinatal complications. The method enabled us to address gender stereotypes and social norms about speaking up and embed a social script for women within the animation, to help structure their help seeking. While for some women, there was an emotional burden, the majority were glad to have been part of the animation's development and felt it had enabled their voices to be heard. CONCLUSION This project has demonstrated the benefits of arts-science collaborations for meaningful co-production and effective translation of research evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Mackintosh
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jane Sandall
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Wendy Carter
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James Harris
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
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