Overview This module is designed to give health professionals an understanding of human error and an opportunity to examine the structure and types of errors.
The module will address:
The definition of error and its specific application to healthcare.
The distinction between the human and system perspective in the analysis of error.
How human factors engineering can help identify and resolve potential systems design problems.
Ways to recognize and resolve potential “error traps” within your own work environment.
The problem of error can be viewed from two perspectives: the human and the systems approach. Each approach has different models of error causality and management. This module will consider the differences in both approaches as they apply to methods of preventing mistakes in healthcare settings.
Module Authors
Barbara Gregory, MPH
Victoria S. Kaprielian, MD
