Human Factors in Healthcare Case Studies
Healthcare Human Factors
Case studies
The following case studies are designed to provide practical examples of how human factors principles can be applied in healthcare settings. They are intended to help participants understand the real-world implications of human factors in healthcare and to develop skills in applying these principles in their own work.
1 - A cognitive and communication blind spot contributes to permanent paralysis
Learning Outcomes
Effective communication
The case highlights the necessity for clear and effective communication among healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care, particularly when dealing with patients who have language barriers.
Cognitive Errors
The study aims to explain why even well-trained professionals can make errors due to cognitive biases, particularly in information overload scenarios.
Key Takeaways
- Information Management: Clinicians need to be vigilant about managing the influx of complex patient data to avoid missing critical changes in patient condition.
- Cognitive Pitfalls: Awareness of biases that might lead to misinterpretation or oversight of important medical information is crucial.
- Team Communication: Effective communication must be holistic, involving every member of the care team to ensure all observations and changes in patient status are accurately conveyed and acted upon.
Contributing Factors and Mitigations:
The case study discusses various human factors like communication breakdowns, cognitive biases, and suggests mitigations like improved documentation practices, regular team briefings, and possibly better use of technology or protocols to manage patient care more effectively.
Thoughts and Take Away Points:
The training emphasises the need for ongoing education and awareness in managing human factors in healthcare settings to prevent adverse outcomes. It stresses the importance of systemic approaches to communication and cognitive management in clinical practice.
This case study serves as a practical tool for healthcare professionals to reflect on their practices, understand the implications of human factors in clinical settings, and strive for improvements in patient care delivery.Have Any Questions?
Check out the FAQs.
Yes we can deliver human factors training programmes in-person at your location in the UK, and worldwide.
Yes this is a self paced online module designed to compliment human factors training. The package includes a PowerPoint presentation which may be resused for the purpose of internal training. (Not for resale)
Global Air Training is the market leading specialist in Human Factors training. We have been working with NHS trusts since 2001. You can be sure that our facilitators are experienced experts in the field. We are the only ISO9001 accredited specialist Human Factors training provider.
The self-paced online training module is £45 per participant, there is no VAT for participants based outside the UK. Please contact us for a quote for multiple participants or bespoke requirements.
We provide certification of successful completion.
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Healthcare organisations already served
Thanks for a truly inspiring course delivered by a superb faculty of experts in Human Factors. This was probably the most professionally run course I have attended in my 36 years in the health service. Although the course was hard work, I thoroughly enjoyed it and feel much better prepared to deliver Human Factors training within my trust.
Medical and Healthcare Simulation Manager
NHS TrustA great day, very informative, invaluable to the job I do and should be mandatory for all healthcare team members.
Midwife
NHS TrustI am optimistic that this training will have profound benefits for our culture. Watch this space.
