Interruptions and distractions in healthcare: Improved safety with mindfulness (February 2014)

Summary

In everyday life and in health care environments, distractions and interruptions are threats to human performance and safety. A distraction may occur when a driver is texting while in traffic or when a health care professional is interrupted during a high-risk task such as prescribing or administering a medication. Interruptions—ringing telephones, active alarms or computerized alerts, or even being asked a question – are ubiquitous in society, and health care is no exception.

This article by nurse, Suzanne Beyea, discusses how mindfulness can reduced distraction and improve patient safety. Published by the Patient Safety Safety Network.