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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Swiss cheese model

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

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

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

What are the key issues?

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

Making sense of Patient Safety - RCN resources to support members http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/practice/cpd_online_learning/making_sense_of_patient_safety

Scenarios to work through online - RCN learning zone http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/practice/cpd_online_learning/making_sense_of_patient_safety/how_patient_safety_incidents_evolve_-_two_scenarios

Making sense of Patient Safety - RCN resources to support members http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/practice/cpd_online_learning/making_sense_of_patient_safety

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

Thank you Contact details: val.hills@rcn.org.uk Mobile: 07810525206