Past and Current Human Factors Work at Trent Sim

Learning from COVID-19 - A Human Factors Approach to Capturing System-Wide Learning and Adaptations within Therapy Services (CO-HF)

  • What we did: During the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust witnessed drastic changes to the way work was done. Despite the difficult times, the Trust saw staff across the organisation adapt and develop strategies of coping and keeping our healthcare system functioning. This project aimed to capture the resilience and adaptive ways of work that Therapy staff developed to cope with those unprecedented times. This included understanding the changes that occurred, the challenges staff faced, and aspects that worked well.
  • Methods: Focus groups, Systems analysis using Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) 2.0 model
  • Benefits and Impact: Better understanding of the challenges experienced by staff and the changes to the work system that occur during unique and unprecedented events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential to be able to prepare better for the future. This will provide the organisation with considerations for when work needs to rapidly change and the support, they need to provide staff so that they can undertake work safely and efficiently.Chart
  • If you would like to read more about this project, please click here: 01_28..pdf
  • Time frame: 2020

 

Anticoagulation Chart - Testing the usability of a new anticoagulation chart in clinical practice

  • What we did: We are applied Human Factors methods to evaluate the design of a revised patient anticoagulation chart to better understand how it was being used in clinical practice in an acute NHS hospital.
  • Methods: Observation, focus groups and interviews, simulation, Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), Heuristic Assessment, Systematic Human Error Reduction and Prediction Approach (SHERPA)research approach to medication chart redesign
  • Benefits and Impact: We aimed to reduce incident risk and improve patient safety by understanding how clinical staff use the new chart. Insights will guide improvements to chart design and workflow, supporting safer prescribing, administration, and staff confidence.
  • If you would like to read more about this project, please click here: Using a Systems Approach to Support the Redesign of an Inpatient Anticoagulant Medication Chart | SpringerLink (Not free access)
  • Time frame: 2019 - 2020

 

Promoting MDT Excellence - Using an understanding of complex systems to identify and implement change

  • What we did: The Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team meeting (MDT) is a key decision-making point in a cancer patient’s journey and can have an impact on the quality of a cancer patient’s care. We brought together Human Factors, Quality Improvement and Organisational Development to describe and understand the system complexity of cancer MDTs and identify and pilot areas for change.
  • Methods: Observation, Focus Groups and Interviews, Information Flow Analysis, System Analysis (Work Domain, SEIPS).
  • Benefits and Impact: Better understanding of the complexity of the system will allow the service to target resources and implement change in the areas that will be most effective. Patients will then receive the best possible quality of discussion at MDTs. Clinicians’ time will be optimised and staff experience improved through the introduction of effective systems and processes.

Promoting MDT Excellence - Using an understanding of complex systems to identify and implement change

 

Hyperkalaemia Guidelines - Testing the usability of a new hyperkalaemia guideline prior to implementation in clinical practice

  • What we did: We applied Human Factors principles and the use of simulation to see whether the new guideline could be understood, followed and actioned by doctors and nurses at NUH.
  • Methods: Simulation, questionnaire and interviews, Perception Cognition Action (PCA), Hierarchical task Analysis (HTA), Flesch Reading Easemethods used to assess usability on a new guideline
  • Benefits and Impact: Most participants found the guideline clear and readable, though flowchart changes were needed to reduce ambiguity and improve usability. NUH redesigned the guideline before its late 2018 rollout. This approach revealed clinician needs and design issues previously overlooked, offering a practical way to test and refine guidelines for effective clinical use.
  • Time frame: 2018

 

TEAMS - Developing high reliability teams that focus on excellence and improvement

  • What we did: Between 2016–18, using TeamSTEPPS, we developed a training curriculum with tools and strategies to build high-performing teams focused on safety and improvement—covering team skills, expert practice, patient advocacy, motivation, and safety behaviours.
  • Methods: Team STEPPS, in situ simulation, Team Improvement groups, Teamwork Perception Questionnaire, Situation Judgement Responses
  • Benefits and Impact: Clinical teams identified many positive outcomes including greater understanding of team leadership, coaching skills and implementing change.  Engaging and empowering the team to make improvements and developing a positive culture and team climate. Improvement outcomes included introduction of a structured briefing tool and dashboards.
  • Time frame: 2016 – 2018