A concept analysis of the phenomenon interruption

ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 2007 Jan-Mar;30(1):E26-42. doi: 10.1097/00012272-200701000-00012.

Abstract

An interruption was found to have no consistent definition in either healthcare or nonhealthcare literature. Walker and Avant's 8-step method of concept analysis was used to clarify, define, and develop a conceptual model of interruption. The analysis led to the identification of 5 defining attributes that include (1) a human experience; (2) an intrusion of a secondary, unplanned, and unexpected task; (3) discontinuity; (4) externally or internally initiated; and (5) situated within a context. Use of the defining attributes will be extended to form a category of interruption within a taxonomy of activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Concept Formation*
  • Humans
  • Medical Errors / prevention & control
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Nursing
  • Nursing Research
  • Task Performance and Analysis*
  • Terminology as Topic