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Objective:To explore the current status of mental workload and its relationship with work engagement and fatigue, as well as the impact path among the three.Methods:Clinical nurses from six tertiary hospitals including Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc. were selected to conduct a cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling method from February to March 2020. They were investigated by general information questionnaire, NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), and Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14).Results:The total mental workload score of 776 clinical nurses was 76.50(69.00, 84.00). Single factor analysis showed that clinical nurses of different ages, marriage and childbirth status, education level, professional title and working years had different mental workload ( Z = -2.61, H values were 10.22-22.41, all P<0.01). Bivariate analysis revealed that the mental workload of clinical nurses was positively correlated with work engagement ( r = 0.27, P<0.01) and fatigue ( r = 0.23, P<0.01), and work engagement and fatigue were negatively correlated ( r = -0.23, P<0.01). Mediation effect analysis demonstrated that mental workload had a positive predictive effect on fatigue ( β = 0.39, P<0.01) and work engagement ( β = 0.35, P<0.01); the suppressing effect of work engagement between mental workload and fatigue, the absolute value of the ratio of the suppressing effect to the direct effect was |-0.17/0.39|. Conclusions:The mental workload of clinical nurses is at relatively high level. Hospital administrators can partially improve the fatigue state of clinical nurses with high mental load through the adjustment effect of work engagement.
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OBJECTIVE@#Exploring the effectiveness of using EEG linear and nonlinear features for accessing mental workload in different tasks.@*METHODS@#Working memory tasks with different information types and various mental loads were designed based on N-Back paradigm. EEG signals from 18 normal adults were acquired when tasks were being performed. Linear and nonlinear features of EEGs were then extracted. Indices that can effectively reflect mental workload levels were selected by using multivariate analysis of variance statistical approach.@*RESULTS@#With the increment of task load, power of frontal Theta, Theta/Alpha ratio, and sample entropies (scales>10) in parietal regions increased significantly first and decreased slightly then, while the power of central-parietal Alpha decreased significantly first and increased slightly then. No difference in power of frontal Theta, central-parietal Alpha, and sample entropies (scales>10) of parietal regions were found between verbal and object tasks, as well as between two spatial tasks. No difference of frontal Theta/Alpha ratio was found in all the four tasks.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results can provide evidence for the mental workload evaluation in tasks with different information types.
Subject(s)
Electroencephalography , Memory, Short-Term , WorkloadABSTRACT
@#Nurse is a profession that has a quite high workload. It can be seen from how often they should encounter situations which compel them to undergo precisely right decision in saving patients’ lives. Various environmental conditions increase the frustration rate of the nurses, such as noise of the crowds and medical equipment, as well as smell of medicines and wounds at once. Moreover, demands from the patients’ family make it even tougher for them. Therefore, this study aims to measure the mental workload of the nurses at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and emergency unit (IGD) in the Hospital ZA based on their years of service. The study was conducted using the method of NASA-TLX (National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Task Load Index). It measured the workload in six dimensions: Mental Demand (MD), Physical Demand (PD), Temporal Demand (TD), Own Performance (P), Effort (EF), and Frustration Rate (FR). The results of the study show that the average value of the nurses’ workload at ICU and IGD is in the category very high (respectively 80 and 83) for the nurses with 0-3 years of service, and the most contributing factor for both the primary groups is the effort (EF).
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Resumen Las personas, en ocasiones, pueden sentirse abrumadas al tratar de interactuar con la tecnología moderna. Ciertos productos de uso cotidiano cuentan con diseños deficientes, por lo que pueden provocar una experiencia insatisfactoria y frustración, produciéndose con ellas una carga mental en el usuario que pueda inducir al error. El uso de técnicas para la identificación del error humano y de la evaluación de carga mental en el diseño y evaluación de productos, puede proporcionar información relevante y útil, para mejorar la experiencia del usuario. El objetivo de este trabajo fue proponer una metodología para integrar la evaluación de carga mental y el análisis del error humano en el diseño de productos. Se evaluó la carga mental mediante la técnica perfil de carga de trabajo, Workload Profile (WP), y se utilizó una metodología de identificación del error humano, Task Analysis For Error Identification (TAFEI), en la configuración de audífonos inalámbricos. Diez usuarios participaron voluntariamente en el estudio; sus experiencias en el uso de los audífonos fueron videograbadas. Se utilizaron formularios para evaluar carga mental, y se identificaron errores humanos durante la etapa de configuración de los audífonos con el teléfono móvil. El método utilizado en este trabajo ofrece una mayor sensibilidad en la evaluación de la carga mental y permite determinar los recursos de atención que más se utilizan en la realización de la tarea. Se detectaron dos oportunidades de rediseño, una relacionada con la señal lumínica, y la otra para la identificación de las puntas para cada oído. A partir de los resultados de la aplicación de la metodología propuesta en este estudio, los diseñadores pueden mejorar la interacción entre las personas y los productos.
Abstract People can sometimes feel overwhelmed when trying to interact with modern technology. Some everyday products have deficient designs which can result in an unsatisfactory experience and even frustration. Additionally, they may produce a mental workload that can induce the user to make mistakes during their usage. The use of techniques for human error identification and mental load assessment in products evaluation and design can provide relevant and useful information to improve the user's experience. The objective of this work was to propose a methodology for integrating mental workload assessment and human error analysis into product design processes. In this work, mental workload was evaluated during the configuration of wireless earphones using the Workload Profile (WP) technique, and the Task Analysis for Error Identification (TAFEI). Ten users voluntarily participated in the study; their experiences during the use of mobile phone earphones were video recorded. Rating sheets were used to assess mental workload and human errors were identified during the earphones' setup stage with the mobile phone. The method employed for this research offers higher sensitivity in the assessment of mental workload. It also enables the identification of attention resources that were more frequently used during task completion. Two opportunities for redesign were identified. The first one is related to the light signal detection and the second one to the correct identification of ear tips. Conclusions and recommendations are given for designers to improve the interaction between people and products.
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RESUMEN Introducción: la carga mental es el conjunto de requerimientos psicofísicos a los que se somete el trabajador a lo largo de su jornada laboral; si es alta y perdura en el tiempo, puede llegar a provocar cansancio en el personal. Esto genera un riesgo tanto para el enfermero como para los pacientes que están a su cargo. Objetivo: analizar la carga mental en enfermeros(as) que laboran en diferentes unidades en un Hospital de Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos: estudio cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo. Para la recolección de información sociodemográfica y laboral a enfermeros asistenciales se aplicó un instrumento propuesto por los autores y la evaluación de tareas se realizó por medio del instrumento NASA - TLX. Resultados: las tareas que generan carga mental fueron: administración de medicamentos con un puntaje de 58,20 y labores administrativas con 54,90 puntos. Medicina Interna presentó carga mental grave con un puntaje de 68,15. El turno de la mañana presentó carga mental grave con puntaje de 69,61. Conclusiones: la dimensión más evaluada fue la exigencia en cuanto a tiempo. Las tareas que generan mayor carga mental son: administración de medicamentos, labores administrativas, educación al paciente y familia, análisis pruebas de laboratorio y atención de código azul(AU)
ABSTRACT Introduction: Mental workload is the set of psychophysics requirements that a worker faces along his/her workday. If mental workload is too high, and it lasts over time, it will bring mental fatigue. This constitutes a potential hazard for the nurse and his/her patients. Objective: To analyze the mental workload in nurses that work in different units in a Hospital in Bogotá Colombia. Methods: Descriptive-Quantitative study. For collecting sociodemographic and work information, the authors applied an instrument proposed by them. Job evaluation was carried out applying the NASA - TLX instrument. Results: jobs that generate higher mental workload were drug administration 58,20 and administrative labor 54,90 points. Internal Medicine showed severe mental workload 68,15 points. According to the work shift, the morning had evaluated with a severe mental workload with 68.61 points. Conclusions: The dimension evaluated as the most demanding was the time requirement. The job that generates higher mental workload was, drug administration, administrative, patient and family education, laboratory analysis and blue code attention(AU)
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Humans , Mental Health/statistics & numerical data , Workload/psychology , Primary Care Nursing/psychology , Nursing Staff, Hospital , Epidemiology, DescriptiveABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of mental workload and prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders musculoskeletal disorders( WMSDs) in railway vehicle manufacturing workers.METHODS: A total of 362 male workers in assembling and welding workshop from a railway vehicle manufacturing enterprise were selected as study subjects by cluster sampling method.The level of mental workload and prevalence of WMSDs were investigated using a revised Subjective Workload Assessment Technique and China Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.RESULTS: The median score of mental workload was 67 and the prevalence rate of WMSDs was 56.9%.The multivariate logistic regression analysis results indicated that the higher the mental workload of railway vehicle manufacturers,the higher their risk for WMSDs after excluding the influence of confounding factors( P < 0.05).Workers in welding work showed a higher risk than those in assembling work( P < 0.01).Workers with fast work rhythm showed higher risk of WMSDs than those with regular working rhythm( P < 0.01).Workers with comfortable working environment and temperature showed lower risk of WMSDs than those with uncomfortable working environment and temperature( P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: The mental workload can increase the risk of WMSDs,with a dose-effect relationship in railway vehicle manufacturing workers.The type of work,work frequency and the temperature in working environment are also influencing factors of WMSDs.
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El objetivo de este estudio es confirmar las características psicométricas de la Escala Subjetiva de Carga Mental de Trabajo (ESCAM) en trabajadores sanitarios de hospitales chilenos. Participaron en este estudio 379 trabajadores de tres hospitales. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: (a) ESCAM y (b) el cuestionario SUSESO-ISTAS 21. Los resultados indican que ESCAM se estructura en cinco dimensiones: Demandas cognitivas y complejidad de la tarea, Características de la tarea, Organización temporal, Ritmo de trabajo y Consecuencias para la salud. Asimismo, se observan correlaciones significativas entre la puntuación total de ESCAM y sus dimensiones con los factores de SUSESO-ISTAS 21. Además, se comprobó la validez de la escala mediante el análisis de perfiles de carga mental con diferentes grupos profesionales.
The aim of this study is to confirm the psychometric characteristics of the Subjective Mental Workload Scale (SCAM) in health workers of Chilean Hospitals. The instruments used were: (1) SCAM; (2) questionnaire SUSESO-ISTAS 21. The sample was composed of 379 workers from three hospitals. The findings showed that SCAM is structured in five dimensions: Cognitive demands and task complexity, Task characteristics, Temporal organization, Work rate, and Health consequences. Likewise, significant correlations between overall score of SCAM and its dimensions with the SUSESO-ISTAS 21 factors were found. Also, scale validity was verified through mental workload profiles with different professional groups.
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It was suggested by most researchers that train drivers’ workload and alertness levels attribute to train accidents. The main objective of this study is to determine the significant patterns of mental workload and alertness levels of train drivers with respect to the conditions. The data are collected from simulation experiments on 15 professional train drivers. The simulation experiments are performed under three driving conditions (i.e. daytime, rainy daytime and rainy night) using a train driving simulator set. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are collected from six significant points on the body of the subjects. It is found that the mental workload of the train drivers tends to be high during rainy night driving condition and sleepiness occurs which is indicative of low vigilance. The beta amplitude increases under rainy night driving condition which may be attributed to viewing difficulties while driving in the dark. The results reveal that there is a significant different between each session (p = 0.042) especially with the pattern for rainy night driving. It is also observed that there is lower mental workload among the train drivers, which indicates that the train drivers are detached from their work.
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Objective To assess the reliability and validity of Chinese version National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and Subjective Work Assessment Technique (SWAT) in evaluating mental workload of community physicians.Methods One hundred and ten community physicians selected by convenience sampling method from Shanghai were recruited.The split-half reliability,Cronbach's α coefficient and Item-total coefficients were adopted to assess the reliability and the validity of Chinese version NASA-TLX and SWAT scales in evaluating the metal workload of participants.Results For NASA-TLX,the Split-Half,Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.703 and 0.619 respectively,all Item-total coefficients (except for performance item) were greater than 0.4 (P ＜ 0.01).For SWAT,the Split-Half,Cronbach's α coefficient of was 0.647 and 0.669 respectively,Item-total coefficients were all greater than 0.4 (P ＜ 0.01).Factor analysis showed that two scales had good structure validity; item discrimination showed satisfactory item validity (except for performance item).The Spearman correlation coefficients between two scales ranged from 0.359 to 0.465 (P ＜ 0.01).Both of the modified versions of NASA-TLX had better reliability and validity than the original one,the one with removed both performance and frustrate item was better than one with removed performance item only.Conclusions The Chinese version NASA-TLX and SWAT can serve as reliable and valid instruments for assessing the community physicians' perception of mental workload in China; and the modified version of NASA-TLX especially the one with removed performance and frustrate item seems to work better than the original one.
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Objetivo: Evaluar las características psicométricas de la Escala Subjetiva de Carga Mental de Trabajo (ESCAM). Material y método: La población de este estudio estuvo constituida por 56 personas de ambos sexos, obtenidos a través de un censo a los y las funcionarios/as de dos facultades de una universidad chilena, quienes respondieron la Escala Subjetiva de Carga Mental de Trabajo y cuestionario de Evaluación de Riesgos Psicosociales. La fiabilidad fue comprobada con el coeficiente de alfa de Cronbach; para la validez de contenido, la escala fue revisada por expertos ad hoc; la validez de constructo fue evaluada por análisis factorial con rotación Varimax, y la validez de criterio se midió al correlacionar los resultados de la escala con el instrumento validado SUSESO-ISTAS 21. Resultados: Se obtuvo una adecuada confiabilidad (a=0.79), además una validez de contenido por análisis de expertos y prueba piloto; validez de criterio por análisis factorial; y validez de constructo por correlación de Pearson, las que confirmaron la estructura multidimensional de escala. Conclusiones: ESCAM es un instrumento fiable y válido para evaluar la percepción de Carga Mental de Trabajo.
Objective: Evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Subjective Mental Workload Scale (SMWS). Materials and methods: the sample of this study consisted of 56 persons of both genders, obtained through a census of the staff of two faculties of a Chilean university, who answered the Subjective Mental Workload Scale and the psychosocial risks evaluation questionnaire. The reliability was verified by Cronbach alpha coefficient, for the validity of content, the scale was checked by ad hoc experts. Constructo validity was evaluated by factorial analysis with Varimax rotation, and the criterion validity was measured when the results of the scale were correlated with the validated instrument SUSESO-ISTAS 21. Results: the multidimensional structure of the scale was confirmed, with a suitable reliability (a=0.79), the criterion validity by factorial analysis, and the constructo validity by Pearson correlation. Conclusion: SMWS is indicated as a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate the Mental Workload Perception.
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Humans , Male , Adult , Female , Middle Aged , Occupational Health , Surveys and Questionnaires , Occupational Groups , Workload , Mental Health , Occupational Health Nursing , Reproducibility of Results , Risk Assessment , UniversitiesABSTRACT
Objetivo: Conocer los niveles de Burnout y Carga mental en una muestra de conductores del transporte público de Chile (Transantiago), y la posible relación entre estas variables. Material y Métodos: La muestra del estudio la componen 112 conductores de transporte público de la ciudad de Santiago de Chile. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el CESQT y el NASA-TLX (Task Load Index). Los análisis descriptivos y correlacionales se realizaron mediante el programa SPSS 22. Resultados: Confirmaron la hipótesis, Burnout se correlaciona con Carga mental, pues los niveles del síndrome se asociaron positiva y significativamente. Todas las subescalas presentaron valores de consistencia interna superiores a 0,70. La prevalencia del Burnout fue del 23,22% para el Perfil 1 y un 6,25% para el nivel clínico (Perfil 2) (Gil-Monte, 2005). Conclusiones: Los niveles de Burnout en la muestra recabada, de acuerdo a la literatura internacional, es alto, y se confirma la importancia de estos fenómenos en la salud mental de los conductores del transporte público de Santiago de Chile.
Objective: Knowing Burnout levels and mental workload in a sample of drivers of public transportation in Chile (Transantiago), and the possible relationship between these variables. Material and Methods: The study sample comprised 112 public transportation drivers in the city of Santiago de Chile. The instruments used were the CESQT and NASA TLX (Task Load Index). Descriptive and correlational analyzes were performed using the SPSS 22 program. Results: The results confirmed the hypothesis, Burnout correlates with mental workload, as levels of the syndrome were associated positively and significantly. All subscales had internal consistency values higher than 0,70. Burnout prevalence was 23,22% for Profile 1 and 6,25% for the clinical level (Profile 2) (Gil-Monte, 2005). Conclusions: Burnout levels in the sample collected, according to the international literature, are high, and the importance of these phenomena on the mental health of drivers of public transport is confirmed in Santiago, Chile.
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Humans , Male , Female , Automobile Driving/psychology , Transportation , Burnout, Professional/diagnosis , Workload , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Chile , Mental Health , Surveys and Questionnaires , Burnout, Psychological/diagnosis , Correlation of DataABSTRACT
Objective To establish a system to evaluate the mental workload on visual display interface in airplane cockpit after synthesizing three kinds of mental workload assessment techniques,i.e.main task measure method,physiology measure method and subjective evaluate method.Methods The evaluation indices of every kind of assessment techniques was defined,and the amount of each index through experiment and subjective inquiry was gained,weighted average was calculated and a quantification evaluation value of each kind of evaluation methods was got.At last,with weighted calculation of above three evaluation values,the evaluation value of mental workload on visual display interface in airplane cockpit was obtained.Results In M kinds of different designs of visual display interface in airplane cockpit,the synthetic evaluation value of one design was the smallest and the mental workload of this design was the smallest.The design of the smallest mental workload was chosen prior as the final scheme of visual display interface in airplane cockpit.Conclusion The evaluation system is combined with present main evaluation methods of mental workload and utilizes their advantages.The evaluating result can be quantified more directly and clearly.With this evaluation system,the mental workload can be evaluated during the design of visual display interface of airplane cockpit and the best scheme can be confirmed.
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A set of computer-based psychological state measuring and assessing application system is developed for Chinese astronauts. The system that comprises two computers simulates multiple spaceflight precautionary tasks and measures a series of psychological and physiological indexes, including spontaneous and evoked encephalpotential, of the objects under different psychological stimulation conditions. It can be applied to researching the variation and assessment method of personnel's work performance, physiological and psychological states under different stress conditions, workload level and stimulus given through acoustical, optical and haptical channels, and finding new psychological and ergnomical methods and indexes to assess work performance. It can also be used to promote individual workload endurability and work performance.