Multitasking: Myth or Manageable?
The concept of multitasking demands our attention. Is it really possible? If so, in what situations? What is known about multitasking?
To begin, quite simply, there are times when multitasking clearly works--most people can walk and chew gum or carry on a conversation while cooking dinner. The reason this is possible is that both the tasks require minimal thinking on our part. Chewing gum borders on breathing--no thinking required--allowing our brain to pay attention to walking in case something arises that needs our immediate attention such as an oncoming car. But can I work on the budget and talk to a colleague at the same time? There are data that suggest that in reality this attempt at multitasking fails. Mistakes occur. Time is wasted trying to switch tasks (which is not multitasking!). To try to enter data correctly into the correct cell while holding a meaningful conversation is likely to cause errors.
In fact, one study found that clinical distractions may account for 43 percent of medication errors. In two hours of observed CPOE use by residents during Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) rounds, one distraction or interruption occurred approximately every 5 minutes and preceded two order entry errors. (AMIA Ann Symp Proc. 2006:895).
There are now laws in many states dealing with using phones in automobiles. There are good reasons for them.
In our ‘do more with less” environment, we are faced with a real issue of multitasking. There certainly seem to be times and places where it is possible. We know that with practice it is possible to avoid some (but not all) errors when attempting to multitask.
It is important to study the situations you encounter where you or others are asked to multitasking to determine the feasibility. Know that some situations are just prone to significant errors if multitasking is attempted.
(A worthwhile book on this subject is The Myth of Multitasking by Dave Crenshaw. I have a set of abstracts pertaining to this myth in healthcare that I would be happy to share. E-mail me at Davidplaut@yahoo.com. Also, thank you to Carol Smola for her help with this blog).