Twelve tips for embedding human factors and ergonomics principles in healthcare education

Abstract

Safety and improvement efforts in healthcare education and practice are often limited by inadequate attention to human factors/ergonomics (HFE) principles and methods. Integration of HFE theory and approaches within undergraduate curricula, postgraduate training and healthcare improvement programs will enhance both the performance of care systems (productivity, safety, efficiency, quality) and the well-being (experiences, joy, satisfaction, health and safety) of all the people (patients, staff, visitors) interacting with these systems. Patient safety and quality improvement education/training are embedded to some extent in most curricula, providing a potential conduit to integrate HFE concepts. To support evolving curricula and professional development at all levels – and also challenge prevailing “human factors myths and misunderstandings” – we offer professional guidance as “tips” for educators on fundamental HFE systems and design approaches. The goal is to further enhance the effectiveness of safety and improvement work in frontline healthcare practice.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Helen Vosper

Dr Helen Vosper, PhD, FHEA, is a Senior Lecturer and Teaching Fellow in the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Graduate Member of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).

Sue Hignett

Professor Sue Hignett, PhD, C.Erg.HF, is Professor of Healthcare Ergonomics and Patient Safety at Loughborough University, England, United Kingdom. She is a Chartered Ergonomist and Human Factors specialist, Certified European Ergonomist, Chartered Physiotherapist, a Fellow of the UK Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) and Chair of the CIEHF Education & Training Panel (Professional Affairs Board). Twitter: @HUMANFIT

Paul Bowie

Dr Paul Bowie, PhD, C.Erg.HF, is Program Director (Safety and Improvement) with NHS Education for Scotland based in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom and Honorary Associate Professor in the Institute of Health and Well-being, University of Glasgow. He is a Chartered Ergonomist and Human Factors specialist and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Twitter: @pbnes