Teamwork
Optimising Human Factors in Three-Person Resuscitation Teams
| Document
|
Author Chun Kit Jacky Chan, Fabian Ling Ngai Tung, Suk Yin Joey HO, Alice Yip |
| Abstract Cardiac arrest survival depends on timely, effective resuscitation, guided by Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols designed for six-person teams. However, real-world constraints like staffing shortages often force teams to operate with only three members, creating a critical gap between protocol standards and clinical practice. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of experienced ACLS faculty (n=6) to analyze teamwork dynamics, role allocation, and cognitive workload in three-person resuscitations, using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed that role distractions occurred in approximately 80% of scenarios, primarily during high-cognitive-load tasks like rhythm analysis. While standardized protocols provided a shared mental model initially, unexpected events necessitated a difficult shift to explicit problem-solving. Environmental stressors, such as night-shift conditions, amplified cognitive demands. Key findings indicate that successful three-person resuscitation hinges on two factors: strict role specialization to prevent cognitive overload and strong leadership to act as a cognitive buffer, coordinating the system and absorbing complexity. The study concludes that ACLS training should incorporate specific modules on role adherence and leadership for small-team configurations. Future research should combine these qualitative insights with physiological measures, like functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), to validate these relationships and develop evidence-based tools tailored for constrained teams. |
Social network analysis in submarine command and control
| Document
|
Author Neville A. Stanton and Aaron P. J. Roberts |
| Abstract This is a world’s first-of-a-kind study that compares three operational scenarios in a simulated submarine control room: Returning to Periscope Depth (RTPD), Inshore Operations (INSO) and Dived Tracking of Contact (DT). The Event Analysis of Systematic Teamwork (EAST) method was used to model the social networks. 10 teams were recruited for the study. Results indicate that, across all scenarios, the Operations Officer (OPSO) and Sonar Controller (SOC) are particularly loaded, with communication between these operators being revealed as a potential bottleneck. The type of operation being performed affected the type of information used significantly, with a higher reliance on sonar information (and the sonar operators) during a RTPD and a higher reliance on visual information (and the periscope operator) during INSO. Implications are discussed alongside suggestions for future work. |
Team situational awareness: practitioner-centred design of a safety huddles toolkit
| Document
|
Author William GREEN, Ceri JONES, John MALTBY, Simon ROBINSON, Damian ROLAND and Carol STAFFORD |
| Abstract Patients die every year because of failure to recognize early warnings of deterioration. A contributing factor is poor team communication and situational awareness. This paper describes the practitioner-centred design of a safety huddles toolkit. Interviews, observations and collective discussions conducted synchronously (face-face) and asynchronously (virtually) informed decisions to iteratively design the toolkit. The toolkit is designed for continuous adaptation to allow practitioner-led improvement for different clinical specialties. Indicative findings (from 50 teams adopting the toolkit) suggest practitioners find it useful for adopting safety huddles and improving team communication and patient awareness. The adoption of the toolkit has been extended 6 months after project completion. |
Time added on: the impact of multiple AI teammates on referee decision-making
| Document
|
Author Maia Low, Jolene Cox, Brandon King, Scott McLean, Chris Baber, Paul Salmon |
| Abstract There is a critical need to understand how the increasing deployment of AI technologies within Human-Autonomy Teams (HATs) impacts performance in different contexts. We investigated the effect of HAT composition (Human-AI dyad versus Human-AI-AI triad) on football referee decision-making performance for foul or no foul decisions in a series of English Premier League match excerpts. The findings demonstrated that decisions took longer in the human-AI-AI triad condition but decision accuracy and confidence were not impacted by HAT composition. |
Distributed Situation Awareness
| Document
|
Author Neville A STANTON |
| Abstract This paper presents contemporary thinking on Distributed Situation Awareness (DSA). This has developed over the past decade from a concept into a testable theory with associated methodology. Early forays into understanding the nature of DSA are presented together with examples of case applications. The tenets of the original research paper have remained robust over the past decade and are presented in this paper. DSA is based on the original ideas from Distributed Cognition, which have been extended to show how systems might have awareness. The unit of analysis for DSA has been as declared as the whole Socio-Technical System. |
Interdisciplinary solutions to complex problems: Going to Mars
| Document
|
Author Cristina G. Banks, Kathleen L. Mosier, Andrew S. Imada, Kriss J. Kennedy and Christopher Miller |
| Abstract The notion of interdisciplinarity is inherent in the principles of human factors and ergonomics (hereafter referred to as human factors). Human factors can be described as a multidisciplinary, user-centric ‘bundling science’, in that it applies theory, principles, and data from many relevant disciplines to the design of work systems, taking into account the complex interactions between the human and other humans, the external environment, tools and equipment, and technology to enhance human performance and wellbeing. The mission to Mars is the ultimate opportunity to make a strong contribution with these three dimensions. First, this bold human exploration is human-centered and human habitability will be highly dependent upon the design of human-machine interfaces. Second, multiple areas of expertise will be needed to come up with a suitable design, requiring a systems approach rather than a singular focus. Finally, mission success and the welfare of those involved are both critically important for long duration and sustainable performance. The stakes are high. This presentation addresses how we can enhance the perceived value of human factors by partnering with other disciplines to solve a critical organisational problem. We use the example of the Mars spacecraft habitat design to illustrate how human factors and other disciplines can intersect to create a living, working and recreational space that supports astronaut health, wellbeing and performance. |
It’s not all about the bike: distributed situation awareness and teamwork in elite women’s cycling teams
| Document
|
Author Paul SALMON, Clare DALLAT, Amanda CLACY |
| Abstract This paper presents the findings from a study examining situation awareness and teamwork in elite women’s cycling. This involved observing an elite racing team during two Australian National Road Series race events and conducting post-race critical decision method interviews. The data were analyzed using the Event Analysis of Systemic Teamwork framework to show the task, social and situation awareness networks underpinning team performance. The findings are discussed in relation to enhancing cycling team performance and potential applications in other sports. |
The quest for the ring: Designing submarine control room work using ComTET
| Document
|
Author Neville A. Stanton, Aaron P. J. Roberts, Daniel Fay and Kiome A. Pope |
| Abstract Research and development for new operational capability in submarines comprises research into human centred design of new capability (where the Command Team-work Experimental Testbed (ComTET) resides), procurement of new capability training capability, and operational evaluation of capability and lessons learnt. The research is given impetus from lessons learnt at sea as well as horizon scanning for technological capability by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). This is fed into the design challenge, which is presented to the ComTET Team, who undertake the research. The ComTET team work with submarine trainers to review current operations and new ways of working. Experiments conducted using the ComTET facilities with serving submariners are able to test and evaluate new technologies and new ways of working. The refined concepts may be taken into the simulators to further refine and test. Once the new operational capabilities have been shown to deliver benefit in ComTET facilities, and the simulators, then they may enter the procurement process. When the new capability enters service on operational platforms, then full evaluation in-service may begin. Any lessons learnt during service may then be fed back into the research cycle. The ComTET team have delivered a guidance document reviewing simulator fidelity, validity and transfer of training to underpin understanding of facility requirements across the different phases of testing. |
Drone Swarming – Unlocking the Potential of Human Swarm Teams
| Document
|
Author Siddharth Shyamsundar |
| Abstract Drone swarms represent a paradigm shift in human autonomy teaming while also bringing unprecedented advantages to civilian and military applications. While enabled by high levels of autonomy, human operators will continue to play a vital role, interacting with the swarm as a single entity, overseeing the mission and making key decisions. This paper discusses the human factors considerations associated with human swarm teams and introduces a bespoke human swarm teaming philosophy for a future drone swarming concept. Integrating autonomy and human information processing models, this concept of control allows the dynamic sharing of tasks between the autonomous swarm and the human operator while optimising key human factors considerations like situational awareness, workload, attention and fatigue. The first principles and designs of a novel human machine interface developed to implement this human swarm teaming philosophy while accounting for the real-world challenges associated with imperfect data transmission and beyond line-of-sight communications are also presented and discussed. |
Exploring Human Performance in Mako-Assisted Hip Replacement Surgeries
| Document
|
Author Jasper Vermeulen, Glenda Caldwell, Müge Belek Fialho Teixeira, Alan Burden, Matthias Guertler |
| Abstract This study investigates the human factors shaping surgical workflows in Mako-assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty surgeries, particularly emphasising non-technical skills such as communication, teamwork, and situational awareness. Using video analysis, we examine interactions between surgical team members and the Mako system, identifying challenges and opportunities that enhance future collaborations. |
Development of Human Factors and Cybersecurity Objectives for Mobile Financial Service (MFS)
| Document
|
Author Stephen AMBORE, Edward APEH, Huseyin DOGAN, Christopher RICHARDSON, and David OSSELTON |
| Abstract Cybercrime is slowing down the adoption of Mobile Financial Service (MFS). Despite the existence of a strong technical infrastructure base for security and the benefits inherent in MFS, adoption has been slow. Highly resilient countermeasures for cybersecurity go beyond just providing technological controls to put in place measures to cater for the human element. This paper presents the findings of an analysis of the human factors issues in complex MFS Socio-Technical System (STS) and the objectives for mitigating these. |
Exploring team sensemaking with an adaptive report generation assistant
| Document
|
Author Robert J. Houghton and Chris Wragg |
| Abstract Collaborative interpretation and understanding of complex and uncertain information is a pervasive and growing challenge across many industries and domains from defence and ‘blue light’ services to commerce and government. We carried out two studies to evaluate the Adaptive Report Generation Assistant (ARGA), a piece of collaborative software designed to aid team sensemaking by supporting coding of information inputs and visualisation of outputs. In the first study, ARGA was contrasted with pen and paper processes in laboratory trials and in a second, and more ecologically valid trial, ARGA was contrasted with the use of generic shared electronic documents by two larger teams of expert analysts. In both cases, in addition to usability analysis and evaluation of final report quality, team activity was also analysed with reference to recordings, post-hoc interviews and examination of the cognitive artefacts produced. It was found that by structuring input and interpretation phases of the activity and offering greater flexibility in the rework of both ontologies for input and visualisations of output, groups using ARGA generally produced better quality analyses through avoiding premature fixedness and confirmation bias. However, a persistent problem across all groups lay in maintaining consistent visibility of relative information quality and credibility. The findings imply that sensemaking quality can be enhanced by interventions that reduce the administrative and clerical demands of information management and representation. |
Working alone, saving lives: a focus on transfusion laboratory safety
| Document
|
Author Nicola Swarbrick, Debbi Poles & Shruthi Narayan |
| Abstract Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) is the UK’s independent, professionally led haemovigilance system, collecting and analysing anonymised information on adverse events and reactions in blood transfusion. Where risks and problems are identified, SHOT produces annual recommendations to improve patient safety. Transfusion laboratory errors reported to SHOT help highlight gaps in practices and policies paving the way for improvement actions to enhance safety. SHOT data shows that transfusion laboratory errors occur at a disproportionate rate when staff are lone working. A detailed analysis was undertaken of all laboratory errors reported to SHOT between 2020-2023 where staff working alone in laboratories was identified as a contributory factor (Narayan, 2023). |
Human-Centred Evaluation Approaches for Autonomous Agents: From Review to Practice
| Document
|
Author Benjamin Bowers, Catherine Harvey, Robert Houghton |
| Abstract The present research explores existing approaches and methods used to study and evaluate novel system components with increasingly autonomous capabilities, such as AI agents, in safety-critical domains. We report a large-scale review of the human–autonomy teaming (HAT) literature and extend the input-mediator-output model of team effectiveness to guide human-centred assessment, culminating in the IMO-A framework. We then test existing metrics and understand approaches to evaluation used by Human Factors researchers using a novel method which leverages an AI-generated video generation tool to develop underwater maritime scenarios across levels of autonomy. Our final recommendations serve as a roadmap for progressing HAT evaluation from fragmented, study-specific measurement choices toward a standardised, IMO-A guided, autonomy-appropriate and multi-method evidence base that can be translated into practitioner-ready early-phase HSI protocols for the safe integration of autonomous agents in safety-critical systems. |
Learning from Expert Teams
| Document
|
Author Shaun C. Lamb, Mohammad Naiseh, Jediah R. Clark, Sarvapali D. Ramchurn & Timothy J. Norman |
| Abstract We studied the experimental adoption of an image classifying tool as an organisation plans the adoption within its teams of intelligence analysts. We identified that existing models of expert decision-making and function allocation can be employed to inform the design and adoption of these tools. |
Understanding the effect of team familiarity on Shared Spatial Situational Awareness
| Document
|
Author Vicky Veal & Gulsum Kubra Kaya |
| Abstract The study investigates the relationship between team familiarity (both professional and personal) and Shared Spatial Situational Awareness (SSSA) during a flight simulation task. The findings suggest that team familiarity, and specifically personal familiarity, is important for both SSSA accuracy and the percentage of unknown lost SSSA state instances. Interestingly, professional familiarity was not found to be significant. |
