Cited by 141Information Systems Theories and ImplementationTeam Dynamics and PerformanceUsability and User Interface Design

Work coordination, workflow, and workarounds in a medical context

Kobayashi, Marina, Fussell, Susan R., Xiao, Yan, Seagull, F. Jacob·2005·CHI '05 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems

Abstract

In this paper we report an ethnographic study of workarounds-informal temporary practices for handling exceptions to normal workflow-in a hospital environment. Workarounds are a common technique for dealing with the inherent uncertainty of dynamic work environments. Workarounds can help coordinate work, especially under conditions of high time pressure, but they may result in information or work protocols that are unstable, unavailable, or unreliable. We investigated workarounds and their effects through observation and interviews in a major teaching medical center. Our results suggest 4 key features of workarounds that technologies might help address: (a) workarounds differ as a function of people's role; (b) workarounds draw on tacit knowledge of others' abilities and willingness to help; (c) workarounds can have a cascading effect, causing other workarounds down the line; (d) workarounds often rely on principles of fairness and who owes whom a favor. We provide recommendations for designing systems to better support workarounds in dynamic environments.

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Authors
Kobayashi, M., Fussell, S. R., Xiao, Y., & Seagull, F. J.
Affiliations
  • Carnegie Mellon University (US)
  • University of Maryland, Baltimore (US)
Venue
CHI '05 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Publisher
ACM
Published
2005-04-02
Pages
1561-1564
OpenAlex
W2119704473
Cited by
141
References
7
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 7
FWCI
7.08
Type
conference paper
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
CHI Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA) (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Science Foundation
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Information Systems Theories and Implementation
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Team Dynamics and Performance
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Usability and User Interface Design
Keywords
workarounds, informal work practices, hospital workflow, work coordination, tacit knowledge, time pressure, role differences, medical work

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