Linked to EAHP Statements

Section 1 - Introductory Statements and Governance: Statements 1.1, 1.5
Section 4 - Clinical Pharmacy Services: Statement 4.1
Section 5 - Patient Safety and Quality Assurance: Statements 5.2, 5.6, 5.7

ACPE UAN: 0475-0000-19-002-L04-P. A knowledge based activity.

Abstract

Delivering healthcare places individuals, teams and organisations under pressure. Staff have to make difficult decisions in dynamic, often unpredictable circumstances. In such intense situations, decision-making can be compromised, impacting on the quality of care, clinical outcomes, and potentially causing harm to the patient.

The principles and practices of Human Factors focus on optimising human performance through better understanding the behaviour of individuals, their interactions with each other and with their environment. (1)

The vision, of the Clinical Human Factors Group puts this as a healthcare system that places an understanding of human factors at the heart of improving clinical, managerial and organisational practice leading to significant improvements in safety and efficiency. (2)

This raises questions; what are Clinical Human Factors? What is their relevance to me and my practice? I am a scientist! Isn't this all too touchy-feely?! This Keynote will present an introduction to Clinical Human Factors and how they can impact on my practice.

Learning Objectives

After the keynote, participants should be able to:
• describe the key features of Clinical Human Factors;
• discuss the relevance to hospital clinical pharmacy practice;
• develop a practice based upon clinical human factors.

Educational need addressed

Hospital pharmacists need to appreciate the principles that contribute to optimising performance. Including the impact that we have on colleagues and finally how our work environment affects our work efficiency.

Keywords: efficiency, effectiveness, human factors, safety and performance.

1) Human Factors in Healthcare A Concordat from the National Quality Board. https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/nqb-hum-fact-conco... accessed 15.9.2017
2) http://chfg.org/about-us/manifesto/ accessed 15.9.2017