Subject details

On successful completion of the subject you should be able to:

  1. identify the principles of Human Factors and the role of Human Factors in the prevention of errors in healthcare delivery
  2. discuss the cognitive and behavioural characteristics of humans that make humans error prone in relation to working environments and machinery & technology
  3. apply human factors knowledge to develop strategies to decrease risk of errors occurring in the areas of medication administration, teamwork & communication, clinical handover and clinical deterioration.
    • Introduction to Human Factors
    • Human Factors and Working Environments, Machinery and Technology
    • Human Factors and Medication Errors
    • Human Factors and Teamwork & Situation Awareness
    • Human Factors and the use of Structured tools to improve Clinical Handover
    • Human Factors: Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration

  • Study resources

    • Instructional methods

      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online Quizzes/Tests
      • Podcasting/Lecture capture

    • Online materials

      • Online Assessment
      • Quizzes

Others

Enrolment in a graduate degree.

Special requirements

No special requirements

The study of Human Factors provides understanding of human characteristics and applies this to improving the design of machines, systems and team environments to reduce the likelihood of error in health care. 

This subject examines cognitive and behavioural characteristics that make humans error prone. Strategies to improve the human-machine interface and human to human interactions will be identified and examined.  The subject focuses on achievable ways of using human factors to build defences into the healthcare system to protect patients.

ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUM: For modules 1,2 & 5, students are expected to actively contribute to the discussion topic that will be posted on the discussion board. I will moderate the discussion. The rationale for your engagement in these on-line discussions is to make use of the rich and varied industry experience that each of you have, applied to the information gained in these modules. (30%) QUIZZES: At the completion of Modules 3, 4 & 6 you must complete a quiz on the topic. The quiz will be available for 4 days, with the dates shown on the schedule of assessment timetable. If you have not completed the requirements for these assessments within these dates it will be considered that you have not submitted the assessment. (30%) REPORT: The intent of this report is for you to have the opportunity to integrate the information that has been covered in all of the modules into a coherent whole that will then allow you to apply this knowledge within your current and future roles and practice environments. (40%)

  • Online Discussion Forum (30%)
  • Quizzes (30%)
  • Written Report (40%)

Textbook information is pending.