1. Human Factors in Health Care; Helping creating a safe environment for patients and staff
Val Hills MA RN RHV PGCE (A)
Professional Learning and Development Facilitator
RCN Nursing Department

2. Learning Outcomes - at the end of the session you will be able to:
 Identify how human factors impact on patient safety
Explain how culture and behaviour contribute to patient and staff safety
Identify and be able to locate the RCN resources that support representatives in their role of helping create a safer environment for care for patient and staff

3. How
The session will provide the opportunity for you to explore the factors that impact and influence patient and staff safety including individual, team and organisational behaviour and the environment.
review case studies to identify the factors
identify the ‘Swiss cheese model’ in practice
raise awareness of the RCN resources available and how they can be used
reflect on how this information is relevant in supporting your role

4. What do we mean by human factors
Human factors encompass all those factors that can influence people and their behaviour.
In a work context, human factors are the environmental, organisational and job factors, and individual characteristics which influence behaviour at work.
Give an example – the Kings Cross fire - passengers, junior staff, lack of communication and uncertaintly. People doing what they always do!
Environmental, lack of investment, poor staff training, antiquated equipment.

5. Some of the common factors that can increase risk include:
• mental and physical demands and workload • distractions • the physical environment • device/product design • teamwork/leadership • process design.

7. The benefits of applying human factors in healthcare
Awareness of human factors such as those identified can help you to: • understand why healthcare staff make errors and in particular, which ‘systems factors’ threaten patient safety • improve the safety culture of teams and organisations • enhance teamwork and improve communication between healthcare staff • improve the design of healthcare systems and equipment • identify ‘what went wrong’ and predict ‘what could go wrong’ • appreciate how certain tools can help to lessen the likelihood of patient harm.

8. Swiss cheese model

9. Some scenarios
These are some common scenarios. Work in groups to look at the examples. How would you respond as a representative (Steward, H & S Rep, Learning Rep

10. What are the examples of human factors you have met in your experience as a Rep?
Ask group to give examples of human factors they have met in their role as a health professional and as a rep.
Check understanding of route cause analysis

11. How did these factors impact on the team, individuals and the organisation
Listen to the feedback.

12. What are the key issues?

13. How does the organisation’s culture impact on patient safety?
What helps/hinders?
What are the difference within organisations?

14. Making sense of Patient Safety - RCN resources to support members

15. Scenarios to work through online - RCN learning zone

16. Making sense of Patient Safety - RCN resources to support members

17. Learning Outcomes Identify how human factors impact on patient safety
Explain how culture and behaviour contribute to patient and staff safety
Identify and be able to locate the RCN resources that will support representatives in their role of helping create a safer environment for care for patient and staff

18. Thank you
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