Healthcare Human Factors Case Studies

Healthcare Human Factors Case Studies

Practical examples of human factors principles applied in healthcare settings.

Online Training
Real-World Scenarios

Case Study Package

Our Case Study Packages are designed to provide practical examples of how human factors principles can be applied in healthcare settings. They are intended to help participants understand the real-world implications of human factors in healthcare and to develop skills in applying these principles in their own work.

The Power of Case-Based Learning

Our packages move beyond "what happened" to explore the "why it happened," focusing on:

  • Threat and Error Management (TEM): Identifying the latent threats and active errors that led to the event.
  • The SHELL Model Analysis: Examining the interface between Software, Hardware, Environment, and Liveware.
  • Decision-Making Pathways: Analyzing where cognitive biases or the "Expectancy Trap" may have influenced the outcome.
  • Communication Breakdowns: Evaluating how the authority gradient or lack of assertiveness contributed to the incident.

What's Included in Each Case Study Package?

Each package is a complete, "turnkey" instructional resource, allowing your trainers to facilitate high-impact sessions with reduced preparation:

  • Detailed Scenario Background: A comprehensive overview of the incident, team profiles, and environmental conditions.
  • Human Factors: A structured analysis of the cognitive, physiological, and interpersonal factors at play.
  • In addition to approximately 1 hour online training the package includes a downloadable PowerPoint presentation which may be used in internal company training.

Thoughts and Take Away Points

The training emphasises the need for ongoing education and awareness in managing human factors in healthcare settings to prevent adverse outcomes. It stresses the importance of systemic approaches to communication and cognitive management in clinical practice.

This case study serves as a practical tool for healthcare professionals to reflect on their practices, understand the implications of human factors in clinical settings, and strive for improvements in patient care delivery.

Available Case Studies

1. A cognitive and communication blind spot contributes to permanent paralysis

This case study explores a healthcare scenario where cognitive biases and communication breakdowns led to permanent paralysis. It examines how information overload and language barriers can impact patient safety in complex medical environments.

£45

Key Takeaways

  • Effective communication among healthcare professionals
  • Understanding cognitive errors in information overload scenarios
  • Information management in complex patient data environments
  • Team communication involving every member of the care team

A practical tool for healthcare professionals to reflect on their practices, understand the implications of human factors in clinical settings, and strive for improvements in patient care delivery.

Ready to Enhance Your Healthcare Training?

Explore our case studies and bring real-world scenarios into your healthcare training programme.

View Case Studies