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Wouldn't any placebo effect wear off over the 6 month trial period?

Also : Who cares if the true reason is less interruptions? The environment is reducing the error rate.

I'm thinking that you're right: if the placebo effect reduces the error rate by 50%, then the environment definitely needs a permanently installed placebo like these vests.

I agree with you 100%.

All I'm saying is the nurse example doesn't really prove the main argument, which is that fewer interruptions equals fewer errors. Right now, it appears everyone reading this wants to apply this seemingly proven technique in their own work place, when (maybe) all they need is a device that reminds them that 1.) they make mistakes and 2.) their mistakes are being measured and observed.

Yes. You make an interesting point about how the research doesn't clearly isolate the cause of the changes. What it does highlight is that you can change the environment to effect performance improvements.

That makes me wonder how much of everyday life is based on accidental placebo effect - item designs, behaviours, procedures.

One day, will someone notice that the vests have no obvious link to the tasks and promote removing hem for cost cutting?

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