Numerous patient safety practices can benefit from
HFE input. Patient safety practices target some aspect
of the work system (see figure 1) and should be
designed and implemented according to HFE principles
to produce patient safety benefits. For instance,
checklists have been shown to improve patient
safety.75 76 Checklists can be considered as a tool in
the work system (see figure 1), and their patient safety
benefits are enhanced when they are designed and
implemented to fit the rest of the work system.77 An
intervention study at the VA included teamwork training,
ongoing coaching, and tools such as a checklist
that supported teamwork.78 The checklist acted as a
tool to trigger OR communication rather than as a
simple memory aid. The checklist is a tool that
requires changes in other elements of the work system
(see figure 1).
HFE is a core element of patient safety strategies.8
Therefore, every effort should be made to support
HFE applications in patient safety. Healthcare leaders,
executives, administrators and vendors should ensure
that HFE is included in any patient safety improvement.
This can be accomplished through the use of
HFE tools and methods (eg, usability evaluation of
health IT), HFE training in healthcare organisations
and vendors, or hiring of HFE engineers.