Overview
Definitions of Error
Basic Tenets of Human Error
Human Factors Engineering
Human Performance
Vocabulary
Types of Errors
Systems to Reduce Errors
Stroop Test
Swiss Cheese Model
Toxic Cascades
Lessons from Other Industries
Basic Safety Principles
Summary

Basic Safety Principles

So how do we design patient care processes to prevent error?

  • Automate when appropriate – include use of forcing functions
  • Standardize – reduce reliance on memory
  • Use checklists
  • Reduce the number of steps and handoffs
  • Add redundancy (double checks) for high risk processes

See module: Mistake Proofing Care for more details.


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Patient safety module series used with permission from Duke University
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