Human Factors and Patient Safety
What is Human Factors?
Human Factors is a scientific discipline that studies the way people work with the aim to improve the safety, performance and wellbeing of people.
It uses systems thinking to better understand the interaction with people, tools, equipment, the work environment and work activities.
Instead of trying to change how people behave, Human Factors helps improve the systems they work in—so the system supports people better.
- The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors – the UK’s Chartered professional member organisation for ergonomists and human factors specialists
- International Ergonomics Association – the international federation of ergonomics and human factors societies from around the world.
- Clinical human factors group – charity that works with healthcare professionals, managers and service-users partnering with experts in Human Factors from healthcare and other industries to campaign for change in the NHS and healthcare.
- The Linkedin Group: Human Factors and Ergonomics Professionals in Healthcare Group. This LinkedIn group is a dedicated Community of Practice for those applying Human Factors (HF) and Ergonomics in health and social care.
- NHS Education for Scotland Human Factors Hub - a hub for educational resources and practical tools that support the integration of Human Factors principles across all levels of policy, practice, education, and research in healthcare.
Human Factors at Trent Simulation
Human Factors is an integral part of the work that the TSCSC team do at NUH. Our team consists of two chartered Human Factors Specialists, multimedia simulation technicians, professional practice educators and Human Factors Fellows. To meet the team, please click here.
We work with multidisciplinary teams across all areas of the hospital; both clinical and non-clinical, to collaborate on a variety of projects that lead to better safety and experience for patients and staff.
Our overarching goal is to improve the quality of care for patients through providing education and expertise in patient safety and ergonomics/ human factors.
We offer three levels of support:
- Full project consultancy
- Advising
- Mentoring
We participate and advise on a wide range of projects including:
- Supporting procurement projects for various pieces of equipment in the Trust
- Supporting the redesign of medication charts
- Supporting service evaluations to better understand the work environment
- Provide introductory Human Factors sessions orientated towards specific healthcare settings
- Support staff in adding a Human Factors lens to improvement projects
- Mentoring staff and students completing postgraduate courses in Human Factors