Effects of interventions to reduce the negative consequences of interruptions on task performance: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and narrative synthesis of laboratory studies.

ABSTRACT

A systematic review was conducted to examine the effects of interventions aimed at reducing the negative consequences of interruptions on task performance. Medline, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and the ABI/INFORM Collection were searched for relevant publications. Thirty-three laboratory-based experiments, containing 49 interventions, were reviewed. Seven types of interventions were identified. Overall, the use of interventions significantly increased primary task accuracy (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.03, P = 0.001) and reduced resumption lag (SMD = -0.51, P < 0.001), whereas no significant difference was observed for interrupting task accuracy. Subgroup analyses indicated that intervention effects varied by (i) the type of intervention and (ii) the type of primary task (procedural, decision-making, or problem-solving tasks). The narrative synthesis provided additional evidence regarding interruption lag and time spent on a primary task. In sum, this review identified the types of interventions that were particularly effective and provided implications for application and further investigation.