While there are several theoretical accounts of interruptions and numerous empirical studies that have examined the impact of interruptions in laboratory settings, our understanding of interruptions in healthcare is in its infancy. Understanding and managing interruptions in healthcare can be particularly challenging because of the diversity of clinical environments and the importance of interruptions in delivering effective care in some settings. Our expert panel will review the theoretical and practical aspects of interruptions and facilitate a meaningful discussion on how to advance the study of interruptions in healthcare. The discussion will focus on patient safety implications of interruptions and methods to better manage interruptions in complex clinical environments.
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