Abstract
A major concern for nursing informatics is ergonomics. The word “ergonomics” comes from the Greek words ergo, meaning work, and nomos, meaning law. Ergonomics, a relatively new science, looks at the application of physiological, psychological, and engineering principles to interactions between people and machines. Ergonomics attempts to define working conditions that enhance individual health, safety, comfort, and productivity. This can be done by recognizing three things: the physiological, anatomical, and psychological capabilities and limitations of people; the tools they use; and the environments in which they function.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Berner, K., & Jacobs, K. (2002). The gap between exposure and implementation of computer workstation ergonomics in the workplace. Work 19:193–199.
Charbonneau, L. (1982). The VDT controversy. The Canadian Nurse October:30.
Helander, M., & Tham, M.P. (2003). Hedonomics-affective human factors design. Ergonomics 46(13/14):1269–1272.
Murray,W.E., Cox, C., Moss, C., & Parr,W. A. (1981). Radiation and Industrial Hygiene Survey of Video Display Terminal Operation. Cincinnati: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
Nielsen, K., & Trinkoff, A. (2003). Applying ergonomics to nurse computer workstations: Review and recommendations. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing 21(3):150–157.
Riva, G. (2003). Ambient intelligence in health care. CyberPsychology & Behavior 6(3):295–297.
Additional Resources
Croasmun, J. (2003). Taking the oxymoron out of ergonomic laptops. Ergonomics Today September 19, 2003.
Piccoli, B. (2003). A critical appraisal of current knowledge and future directions of ergophthamology: Consensus document of the ICOH Committee on “Work and Vision.” Ergonomics 46(4):384–406.
Seghers, J., Jochem, A. & Spaepen, A. (2003). Posture, muscle activity and muscle fatigue in prolonged VDT work at different screen height settings. Ergonomics 46(7):714–730.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2006 Springer
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Hannah, K.J., Ball, M.J., Edwards, M.J. (2006). Ergonomics. In: Introduction to Nursing Informatics. Health Informatics. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-32189-9_16
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-32189-9_16
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-0-387-26096-9
Online ISBN: 978-0-387-32189-9
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)