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Author Eva-Maria Carman, Michael Johnson & Giulia Miles |
| Abstract Human Factors can inform and enhance traditional procurement processes by capturing the users’ input and considering the wider system into which the products will be implemented. Despite this, traditional procurement processes do not typically consider integrating HFE into the process in a systematic way. This paper describes the role of Human Factors in the different phases of a large procurement project and the lessons learnt for the procurement of hospital beds within one large NHS Hospital Trust. The aim of the procurement project was to determine the best solution that includes a variety of products and service contract from one supplier. A total of six different bedframes and two different types of mattress needed to be considered. The role of the HFE team was to provide advice at strategic project meetings, support the specification design, conduct an HFE evaluation of the products and ensuring a system’s perspective was considered throughout the process. Across all the product types, the HFE evaluation included 27 simulation testing sessions followed by feedback from staff on in-situ use on 23 different wards. Key lessons learnt included the value of qualitative data can add to support the decision-making process in procurement projects, the need to understand clinical needs as in this context there is no one perfect product due to the wide range of applications, and the need for HFE specialists to have a better understanding of the procurement process and their involvement across all phases of this type of project. |
