Publication · Computers, Informatics, Nursing · 2023
Designing helpful clinical alerts starts with understanding how NICU teams actually work.
This study mapped how nurses actually work in newborn intensive care units (NICUs). Knowing the real workflow lets hospitals design computer alerts and decision-support tools that fit how nurses work, instead of slowing them down.
This study examined the real-world clinical workflow and sociotechnical processes NICU teams use to stay aware of, recognize, and treat necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a dangerous complication in fragile infants.
Nurses and providers play different roles: nurses often spot early signs and notify providers, who then decide on tests and treatment. These insights guide decision-support tools (NEC-Zero) that fit how teams actually work.
Mapped how NICU teams recognize and act on NEC risk.
Nurses spot signs; providers decide on tests and treatment.
Findings shape decision support that fits practice.