%0 Journal Article %J Technology Innovation Management Review %D 2016 %T Developing Tacit Knowledge of Complex Systems: The Value of Early Empirical Inquiry in Healthcare Design %A Chantal Trudel %A Sue Cobb %A Kathryn Momtahan %A Janet Brintnell %A Ann Mitchell %K design research %K ergonomics %K healthcare design %K human factors %K infection prevention and control %K knowledge mobilization %K neonatal intensive care unit %X Infection prevention and control has been the subject of much study in medical and epidemiological research and a variety of best practice guidelines have been developed to support healthcare workers and related stakeholders. Yet, despite the availability of information, managing healthcare-associated infections remains a challenge because the relevant explicit knowledge is not being adequately developed and mobilized as tacit knowledge for use "on the front lines". Some researchers have called for a human factors perspective to help address challenges in designing for infection prevention and control, but relatively few studies have been conducted to date. Researchers also suggest that empirical inquiry is needed to better inform the design process, and particularly the design of complex systems where attention to detailed processes and interactions can support the success of an intervention. A human factors approach can help designers develop a deeper understanding of work processes, technology considerations, as well as physiological, psychological, cultural, and organizational factors. The need is particularly pressing in low-resource healthcare environments where funds, time, and human resources may be scarce and strategic design decisions based on evidence are needed to support meaningful and effective changes. With this in mind, a human factors study was conducted in an existing neonatal intensive care unit to identify the influence of product and environment design on infection prevention and control and to inform recommendations for improvement. In this case study, we illustrate how the application of an empirical, methodical approach can help design professionals and stakeholders develop tacit knowledge of complex systems – knowledge that can be used to better inform design priorities, the design process, decision making, and the allocation of resources to help maximize improvements. %B Technology Innovation Management Review %I Talent First Network %C Ottawa %V 6 %P 28-38 %8 09/2016 %G eng %U http://timreview.ca/article/1017 %N 9 %1 Carleton University Chantal Trudel is an Assistant Professor at Carleton University’s School of Industrial Design in Ottawa, Canada. Chantal draws on her background in industrial design (B.I.D, Carleton University), human factors and ergonomics (MSc, University of Nottingham) and 10 years professional experience in commercial and healthcare design to support her research. Chantal is interested in human-centred and participatory design methods to improve our understanding and design of peoples’ experiences within complex systems. %2 University of Nottingham Sue Cobb is Associate Professor and Head of the Human Factors Research Group in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. Sue has been working in this group for 30 years. Over this period she has worked on many projects involving analysis of user requirements and user feedback or opinion on a variety of issues in contexts including industrial workplaces, educational settings, and community environments. Her specialist interest is in multi-disciplinary research and the use of user-centred and participatory design methods in a variety of contexts including special education and healthcare. %3 Kathryn Momtahan has 10 years of critical care nursing experience and a PhD in Experimental Psychology, focusing on healthcare human factors. Dr. Momtahan's human factors professional experience includes several years working in the hi-tech sector and fourteen years in a research-lead capacity in a hospital environment. She has published in human factors, healthcare, and engineering journals and holds several adjunct professor appointments in various faculties and programs including engineering, psychology, nursing, business, and human–computer interaction. %4 The Ottawa Hospital Ann Mitchell is the Director of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care at The Ottawa Hospital. Ann has 28 years of experience in NICU and maternal newborn care in a variety of clinical, regional, and administrative roles. Her current focus is on staff and patient safety, engaging families, and improving the patient experience. %# The Ottawa Hospital Janet Brintnell is the Corporate Clinical Manager of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Nursery at The Ottawa Hospital. Her nursing career spans 32 years of which 26 have been focused in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Her experience ranges from a clinical bedside capacity to her current role with an administrative focus while constantly maintaining a critical focus on the delivery of family-centered care and best practices. %R http://doi.org/10.22215/timreview/1017