The man-machine interaction in central nursing stations

Presents an analysis of a complex man-machine system, namely a central nursing station. A central nursing station consists of the following components: the nurses who monitor the condition of the patients (the human element of the system), the instruments which are used for monitoring (the machine element of the system), and lastly the hospital and the wards (the environmental elements of the system). A smooth interaction of all three elements of the system is essential for the efficient functioning of the central nursing station. The analysis presented here is based on the observation of a typical central nursing station at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey. There were certain drawbacks in the existing system, such as the noise level, inferior arrangement of the controls and displays, inferior workplace design and improper function allocation. All these aspects are taken into account and suitable recommendations for improving the system performance are suggested. The authors have also considered other relevant aspects of the system and recommendations for improving the performance will be given from time to time