Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsoi SCT(1)(3), Lam EL(2), Leung YWN(1)(4), Fan SYC(2), Liu HKA(2)
Affiliation :
1 Nethersole Clinical Simulation Training Centre, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
2 Department of Pharmacy, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
3 Nursing Services Division, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
4 Department of Intensive Care, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Good design of workplace and user interface can augment the user’s work performance and hence patient safety. Considering human factor ergonomics with eye tracking technology in workplace enhancement can provide both qualitative information and quantitative data to design, develop and improve ergonomic equipment to increase workplace comfort, safety and productivity.
Objectives :
The study aims to explore the feasibility eye tracking technology and human factor ergonomics to evaluate the workplace design to improve efficiency and medication safety in dispensing through the refinements of design in the drug shelf label.
Methodology :
A single-center observational study was conducted from Jan to March 2022 with 17 pharmacy staff were recruited as participants. In-situ approach was adopted with illuminance and ambience noise level were standardized. The current drug shelf label and 2 revamp versions (Option A and Option B) were separated into 3 phases conducted 1 week apart. Participants were required to dispense 12 drug labels as normal operation with an eye-tracking device worn. Quantitative primary outcomes measured from eye tracking device include: (1) user response time, (2) fixation count and (3) fixation duration. Secondary outcomes included fixation proportion, pupil diameter changes. For human factor perspective, post-study feedback using Likert Scale and NASA TLX questionnaires measuring user-friendliness and task load were adopted. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.
Result & Outcome :
Primary outcomes showed Option B yielded standing out results with statistical significance. The mean fixation count was reduced compared to baseline in both Option A and B (Baseline vs A and B: 14.039 vs 13.221 and 10.632) (F2,32 = 6.11, p < 0.05). The average fixation duration per item was significantly lower than baseline (3533ms) in Option B (3090ms), while highest in Option A (3835ms) (F2,32 = 4.14, p < 0.05). Quantitative eye tracking results indicated lower cognitive workload load to the participants in Option B. Post-study feedback showed significant user satisfaction in adopting Option B with lower task load reflected from the result of NASA TLX.
Results showed statistical significance results, with Option B revealed a better shelf label design, proven by quantitative data from eye tracking device and results from human factors ergonomics. Future exploration including assessing workplace designs through eye-tracking technology to reveal work patterns and workload to improve workplace safety and operation efficiency.
