Transfer of ergonomics knowledge from participatory simulation events intp hospital design projects

Simone Nyholm Andersen, Ole Broberg*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Participatory simulation (PS) is a method to integrate ergonomics and safety into workplace design projects. Previous studies have mainly focused on tools and methods for the simulation activities. The subsequent process of transferring and integrating the simulation outcomes into the design of workplaces is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE: This study sets out to study the role of actors and objects in the transfer of ergonomics knowledge generated in PS events and in the integration of this knowledge into a design project. The study identifies factors that influence what part of the simulation outcomes are integrated.

METHODS: The empirical context of the study was six PS events that were part of a hospital design project. The events were investigated based on knowledge transfer theory, observations, interviews and document studies.

RESULTS: We identified actors and objects with abilities of transferring ergonomics knowledge from the PS events to the hospital design project. The study indicated that persons producing the objects functioned as a filter, meaning that not all ergonomics knowledge was transferred from the PS events. The main influencing factors on the integration were: predetermined building dimensions and room interdependency.

CONCLUSIONS: We propose four recommendations for ergonomists and safety professionals when planning PS events.
Original languageEnglish
JournalWork: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation
Volume68
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)365-378
ISSN1051-9815
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Participatory ergonomics,
  • Work system design
  • Knowledge transfer
  • Healthcare

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