Work domain analysis for the evaluation of human interaction with anaesthesia alarm systems

Abstract

We apply some aspects of cognitive work analysis to the anaesthesia domain-in particular, the design of equipment used in the operating theatre for monitoring oxygen saturation in arterial blood (pulse oximetry). Work domain analysis (WDA) provides us with initial models of the work domain of anaesthesia, of the subdomain of pulse oximetry, and of the human body, and activity analysis (AA) helps us understand human interaction with alarms systems. These conceptual tools give us a useful framework for speculating about the most effective design of monitoring equipment and alarm systems for anaesthesia.