Human factors in healthcare: welcome progress, but still scratching the surface

Source: BMJ Quality and Safety 2015/0 pp. 1-5

Follow this link for item

Date of publication:  November 2015

Publication type:  Journal article

In a nutshell:  This article investigates the adoption of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) principles within healthcare settings in the UK and the US.  By considering the history, evolution and spread of HFE, the authors hope to enhance translation into healthcare lessons from industry, such as aviation, oil and gas and rail transport, to promote the integration of HFE into healthcare and improve quality of care and patient safety.

Length of publication:  5 pages

Seeing it from Both Sides: Do Approaches to Involving Patients in Improving Their Safety Risk Damaging the Trust between Patients and Healthcare Professionals? An Interview Study

Source:  PLoS One vol/iss 8/11 pp.e80759

Follow this link for item

Date of publication:  November 2013

Publication type:  Journal article

In a nutshell:  In this study, researchers from England examined the views of patients, families and professionals about patients being more involved in safety improvement. Patients, families and professionals were generally positive about the potential for patients to identify safety issues. There were some concerns about suspicion and mistrust. Patients were concerned about negative staff attitudes and unreceptiveness and professionals were worried about patients’ motives for questioning. A collaborative, mutually acceptable, approach to patient involvement in the promotion of safety improvement is required.

Length of Publication:  1 web page

Safer Patients Network evaluation

Source:  The Health Foundation

Follow this link for item

Date of publication:  April 2013

Publication type:  Report

In a nutshell:  The Health Foundation supported a safety improvement collaborative over five years. The Safer Patients Network was created as a platform for those taking part to continue engaging after the collaborative ended. The Network comprised a community of practice with access to virtual meetings and annual learning events. Evaluation of the Network examined the extent to which this approach helped to create a self-sustaining approach to continuous improvement.

Length of Publication:  84 pages

Budget impact analysis of conversion from intravenous to oral medication.

Source:  Clinical Therapeutics  Vol 33 Issue 11.  Pp1792-1796

Follow this link for fulltext

Date of publication: November 2011

Publication type:  Journal article

In a nutshell:  This article looks at the way patients receive their medication, either orally or intravenously.  It suggests that by providing oral medication to patients who are able to take it, rather than intravenously, there are safety improvements and cost savings available.

Length of publication:  5 pages

Acknowledgements:  National Electronic Library for Medicine