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Author Helen Vosper, Paul Bowie & Sue Hignett |
| Abstract Patient safety is an emergent property of complex sociotechnical healthcare systems. Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE), with its design-based systems focus, offers frameworks for developing resilient systems, although use in healthcare has been limited to date. Most healthcare educational curricula articulate requirements for students to develop patient safety competencies, but there is scant direction as to how this might be achieved. The authors have produced guidance on embedding HFE in healthcare curricula, but recognise that examples of effective HFE teaching would further support educational practice. This case study outlines a related set of activities based around the NHS Health Check, a population-wide screening programme designed to identify and manage cardiovascular risk. The Health Check represents a cardiovascular risk management system and is amenable to analysis using HFE frameworks. The educational activities described support students in developing a deep awareness of HFE theory, and early development of HFE competencies. The Health Check is a highly relevant professional activity for pharmacy students but would also be relevant to medical and nursing students, as well as healthcare management staff. This case study will form the focus of a discussion that will provide delegates with an opportunity to share experiences of different approaches to HFE education. |
