Launch of Human Factors e-Learning Module

Launch of Human Factors e-Learning Module

NES has partnered with Loughborough University and Health Education England to co-develop and launch an entry-level e-Learning module on Human Factors for the health and care workforce.

The interactive module, which is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (the UK professional body), takes around 1-hour to complete and can be accessed via TURAS Learn - Human Factors/Ergonomics (Safety Science).

The module content focuses on raising awareness of the fundamentals of Human Factors as a science and practice and outlining its applicability at all levels of health and care in jointly improving system performance and human wellbeing (Fig 1).

• Human Factors is about the evaluation and improvement of all aspects of human work
• Introduces a ‘systems approach’ using Human Factors models to think about safety
• Tackles myths and misunderstandings about Human Factors
• Introduces user-centred design
• Demonstrates how to apply Human Factors thinking
• Outlines case study examples to show how redesigning systems, purchasing new equipment and working together can improve patient safety 
• Contains reflective activity
• Take the short quiz to receive an accredited certificate from the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF)

NES has been at the forefront in illustrating how to integrate basic Human Factors principles and tools at all levels of health and care education, policy and practice in the UK and internationally. Importantly, this foundational module also addresses some of the long-standing ‘myths and misunderstandings’ which unfortunately continue to circulate in healthcare curricula, policy and practice.

While the module is arguably of interest to all members of the health and care workforce, it should be particularly useful to the following groups:

• Clinical and Care Educators involved in teaching patient safety, human factors and quality improvement
• Directors of Medical Education, Training Programme Directors/Tutors/Trainers and clinicians-in-training
• Safety, Risk, Governance, Improvement, Occupational Health & Safety, Organisational Development and Wellbeing Advisors and Leaders
• Executives, Board Members and National Policymakers
• Clinical and Management Supervisors and Leaders
• Clinical Practitioners, Scientists, Engineers and Technicians at all levels
• Specialists in Digital and Medical Device Technology, Procurement and the Built Environment
• Incident Investigators and Chairs of Mortality & Morbidity meetings, learning reviews and case conferences (and equivalents)

Please get in touch if you have any queries around access to and integration of the module in existing health and care curricula and educational programmes.

Prof Paul Bowie

Programme Director (Safety & Improvement) paul.bowie@nhs.uk

Twitter: @pbnes  @HFhealthcareUK

This article originally appeared in Scotland Deanery News Issue 29, December 2021.

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