Human Factors and Multidisciplinary Response to COVID-19 Social Distancing

Abstract

As health care organizations begin to recover from the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), we must provide careful modifications to ensure patient and staff safety. Human Factors Engineers conducted pilot studies to begin understanding the impact social distancing can have on required work tasks. Next, an enterprise-level Social Distancing Work Group developed a Quick-Start Guide with recommendations for facility/environmental changes as well as workflow/process changes. The work group met on-location with leaders and staff from various areas across the organization who needed additional guidance beyond the general recommendations. We leveraged our event-reporting software as a way for staff to report ongoing social distancing concerns.