Distracted Practice: A Concept Analysis

PROBLEM. Distracted practice is a growing concern for all healthcare professionals working in today's complex, technology-rich, acute care hospital environment. Distractions are a threat to patient safety, frequently cited as a contributing factor when reporting an adverse event. The number of new technologies introduced to the healthcare environment has significantly increased the number of distractions. Shrinking resources and the resultant time pressure placed on all practitioners has added to the list of human factors known to be contributing to potential errors. Delivering safe, quality care in this environment has now become a daily challenge for all members of the healthcare team. Distracted practice was found to have no consistent definition in the healthcare literature. METHOD. Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis was used to develop a preliminary definition and model of distracted practice. FINDINGS. This analysis includes a definition, characteristics, antecedents, and consequences of distracted practice. CONCLUSION. More research is needed to fully understand this critical human experience of distracted practice. With additional knowledge we will be able to raise awareness and create interventions to reduce its occurrence among members of the healthcare team. This will positively contribute to the team's efforts to keep all our patients safe while in the hospital.