Interruptions in workflow prior to the implementation of a Critical Care Information System (CCIS) in two intensive care settings.

Interruptions in clinician workflow are believed to contribute to preventable medical errors, and ICUs have been noted as frequent sites of these errors. Emerging research suggests that a CCIS may assist in reducing or preventing interruptions. However, there is a paucity of research that has empirically investigated these assertions. As part of a longitudinal study, results of the frequency and nature of interruptions in workflow before the implementation of a CCIS will be reported.