Question

Assingment

Step One: Perform a library search and locate research studies performed on human ergonomics. Look for studies that would relate specifically to healthcare such as mobile carts, beside terminals, desk, chairs, computer screens, etc.

Step Two: As the HIM director, you have been informed that your department will be moved to a different location. As part of the move, your department will be given all new furniture and equipment. You have been asked for your recommendations.

Step Three: Create a 3-minute voice-over powerpoint presentation which outlines your choice of department equipment. Support the rational for your choice of equipment with the information that you learned about ergonomics. Your poweroint should contain:

Identify the equipment of your choice

The ergonomics support reasoning

Be at least 15 slides in length (not counting title and reference slides)

Answer 1

HUMAN ERGONOMICS

Definition: Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of the systems.

Purpose: Proper ergonomics design is necessary to prevent repetitive starin injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders which can develop over time and lead to long term disabilities.

Domains of ergonomics: It includes three main fields of research:

• Physical ergonomics: It is concerned with the human anatomy, its anthoprometric, biomechanical and physiological characteristics in relation with physical activity. It is mainly applicable in the job that involves repetitive and forceful exertion, frequent heavy lifts, awkward work positions and use of vibrating equipments. For ex: Nursing. The use of ergonomics in such field can prevent or treat such disorders.
• Cognitive ergonomics: It is concerned with the mental processess like perception, memory, reasoning and motor response that interfers or effects the interactions between human and its elements.
• Organizational ergonomics: It involves organizational structures, policies and processes.

As a HIM director, it is my prime responsibility to arrange a surrounding i.e working enviroment and system that would ease the employees or its members of the undue physical. mental and cognitive stress. So, as a director I would prefer equipments that will be designed based on the physical ergonomics that would prevent the overtime physical injuries.

Ergonomics is derived from the greek word ergon means work and nomos means natural laws. It was used in Hellenic civilization, Egyptian dynasties,world war II.

There are four key elements to understand this human factor or ergonomics:

• Liveware: The person you and I
• Hardware: physical i.e tools
• Software: Non physical
• Environment: its the surrounding in which the L-H-S interact within the system.

The three domains of the ergonomics namely physical,cognitive and organizational as stated earlier is important. Example for application of physical ergonomics in daily use of tool like chair and computers includes:

• Document holder same level as eyes.
• Distance between the eyes and the screen 65-75cms.
• Relaxed shoulders.
• Bacl support not to flexible to fit the lower natural back arch
• Angle of the arch 90-100 degree
• Angle of the hip 90-100 degree
• Height of the chair adjusted to the persons height
• Feet flat on the floor
• Angle of the knee 90-100 degree
• wriet free in straight line with the forearm.
• Keyboard drawer lower than the table but not touching the knees.

Benefits of using Ergonomics:

• User centered design
• Preserve human health
• optimize human performance
• Improves comfort and safety
• Improves productivity
• Minimizing errors

References:

1. Human factors and ergonomics, Published on March 21,2015
2. Open education " People centered designing: 7 Ergonomics and human factors"
3. Wikipedia " Human factors and ergonomics"