02808nas a2200277   4500008004100000022001500041245010900056210006900165260004200234300001000276490000600286520193400292653002002226653001502246653002202261653001802283653003702301653002702338653003302365100002002398700001402418700002202432700002102454700001802475856003702493       2016                        eng d  a 1927-032100aDeveloping Tacit Knowledge of Complex Systems: The Value of Early Empirical Inquiry in Healthcare Design0 aDeveloping Tacit Knowledge of Complex Systems The Value of Early  aOttawabTalent First Networkc09/2016  a28-380 v63 aInfection 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.10adesign research10aergonomics10ahealthcare design10ahuman factors10ainfection prevention and control10aknowledge mobilization10aneonatal intensive care unit1 aTrudel, Chantal1 aCobb, Sue1 aMomtahan, Kathryn1 aBrintnell, Janet1 aMitchell, Ann  uhttp://timreview.ca/article/1017