Please read this fantastic post from Steven Shorrock which looks back at the origins of ergonomics/human factors in aviation:
Human Factors and Ergonomics: Looking Back to Look Forward
If we want Patient Safety to improve it’s vital we adopt the science of ergonomics into healthcare.
While medical error was reported in the British Medical Journal as the third greatest cause of death a best estimate of the magnitude of the medical error problem is difficult to ascertain. This post – see here – discusses the issue further.
What is apparent is that the incidence of adverse events from medical error only appears to be increasing – this is understandable given our work environments only appear to increase in complexity with new drugs, new equipment and a constantly renewing workforce.
It was difficult for the highly skilled individuals in aviation to accept they were likely to make errors despite their impeccable training.
Similarly there is a long and difficult road ahead for healthcare too in accepting the scientific discipline of ergonomics.
Any and all support welcome.
Together we’ll create the best environment for patient care.
