Damien Francois
EME 6396 Seminar in HPT
UWF
Summer 2010
Home office design for
Clinical Research Associate
Scenario
Home office design for Clinical Research Associate (CRA). This
research professional is a liaison between pharmaceutical
companies and clinical research sites such as hospitals, outpatient
centers and doctors’ offices. The CRA is responsible for ensuring
research sites and their personnel are compliant with Federal Drug
Agency (FDA) guidelines on clinical research on human subjects.
CRA job tasks include:
 Heavy use of computer for internet and communication i.e., email,
word processing, webinars.
 Faxing
 Copying
 Scanning
 Video and teleconferencing
 Maintaining and organizing paper and electronic documents .
 Heavy phone contact
Problem
Problem
The personnel office has concerns about
human computer interaction (HCI) in a
residential setting.
Solution
Office design should:


Minimize fatigue and opportunities for
injury.
Identify and correct the possible human
computer interaction problems.
HPT Process
Human Performance Technology (HPT) is the systematic approach to
solving human performance problems and increasing productivity.
A Human Performance Consultant (HPC) can use the HPT process of
analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation to
assess the Human Computer Interaction (HCI) issues in designing the
home office for the CRA.
HCI Issues
Potentials hazards from computer use:



Monitors placed too close or too far away may cause assume
awkward body positions that may lead to eye strain.
Working with your head and neck turned to the side for a
prolonged period loads neck muscles unevenly and increases
fatigue and pain.
Viewing the monitor for long periods of time may cause eye
fatigue and dryness. Users often blink less while viewing the
monitor.
Usability
Usability is the ease of which a user can use a product to achieve their
goals. Checklist for designing a usable home office includes:


Ergonomics – Workplace equipment design, to promote safety and
productivity and minimize fatigue and discomfort.
Navigation – Technology should allow for easy movement between
workstations.

Safety – Emergency plans and fire safety.

Appearance – Aesthetically pleasing environment.
Ergonomics
Computer use

Use of a good chair with a
dynamic chair back that is
angled slightly to the rear.

Placement of monitor screen
at 2-3" above eye level.

An optical glass anti-glare
filter.

A document holder,
preferably in-line with the
computer screen.

Center monitor and keyboard
in front of you.
Ergonomics



Follow 20/20 rule -Take a 20
second break every 20 minutes.
Use of anti-fatigue floor mats.
Use Proper lighting.
Navigation
Use of Bluetooth technology :
 To minimize wiring.

Reduce risk of tripping
over wire and cords.

Allow easy navigation from
one workstation to another.
Safety checklist
Electrical



Cover all unused outlets with safety
plugs.
Ensure all major electrical
appliances are grounded.
Position televisions, computers, and
stereo equipment against walls.
Create emergency plan





Place a list of emergency phone
numbers near each phone.
Install smoke detectors.
Test all smoke detectors monthly.
Change the batteries in the smoke
detectors every 6 months.
Strategic placement of Fire
extinguisher.
Appearance

Natural Light

Pictures/artwork

Plants

Avoid Clutter

Consider Feng Shui color
guide.
References

http://www.ergonomics.ucla.edu/Howto_Laptops.html

http://www.ergoindemand.com/ergonomic-computer-workstationguidelines.htm

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html

http://www.ispi.org/content.aspx?id=54

http://www.life123.com/home-garden/interior-decorating/feng-shui/fengshui-color-chart.shtml