JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The introduction of STARA (smart technology, AI, robotics, and algorithms) changes work processes and the application of skills, depending on specific task design within a given context. This task specific focus deriving from Human Factors Research marks the underlying objective of this case study.

Objective:

The initial aim was to evaluate how different task designs impact the application of theatre nurses’ skills during robot-assisted surgeries. However, the reported experiences elucidate that STARA-related task design extends beyond Human Factors’ perspectives, encompassing cross-level effects between task configurations of different surgical units and individual evaluations regarding career motives.

Methods:

We address this interrelatedness by presenting an embedded single-case study design within a hospital. The case study illustrates field experiences from a focus group interview (n = 5) and post-surgery surveys (n = 36) on Human Factors related variables (objective task variety, perceived workload, perceived application of professional skills) and variables from Career Research (perceived career sustainability, growth needs).

Results:

Higher task variety and skill application during surgeries are correlated with long-term career sustainability evaluations. Moreover, career-related growth needs relate to interindividual differences in STARA task evaluations. Interdisciplinary perspectives with respect to theoretical models, practical implications, and methodological challenges are discussed.

Conclusions:

The interdisciplinary multilevel approach enriches conceptual frameworks for both STARA-related Sustainable Career Research and Human Factors task design. However, the data is exploratory and can only be interpreted to a limited degree. One noteworthy practical implication is that it is not STARA that is changing tasks and skill application in practice, but the way practitioners design work processes and manage career development.