Building Safer Healthcare Environments through Human Factors and Ergonomics

The field of healthcare and medicine is complex – it’s a constant navigation between patients, technology, and procedures. From bustling hospital hallways to the quiet of a bedside, no matter where you are in the field, a minor human error has significant consequences. That’s where Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) can play a major role, acting as a bridge between the human element and the healthcare system. By recognizing, building, and sustaining this bridge, we can improve not only patient and professionals’ safety but also the quality of care. 

The human factor in healthcare

No matter how incredible the caretaker, every nurse, doctor, surgeon, aid and anyone in the healthcare field must acknowledge the human aspects — cognitive, physical, and emotional limitations — that can influence performance. For example, fatigue can impair decision making and poorly designed equipment can lead to bodily strain. That is why these limitations need to be supported by innovative design, so that systems and processes ultimately complement, not hinder, human capabilities. 

By focusing on HF/E, we can make the environment of caretakers supportive, intuitive, and ultimately a strong foundation not only empowers, but also enables those in the healthcare field to do their best work and make a difference in patient lives.

Designing ergonomic healthcare environments 

The concept behind ergonomics is quite simple, that is, a design created to minimize physical effort and discomfort, and thus maximize efficiency. When applied to a healthcare setting, we aim to create a safe and efficient work environment for professionals and a positive experience for patients. 

Designing an ergonomic healthcare environment looks like:

• Optimizing medical equipment and workstations: Confusing control panels, poorly placed equipment, and inconvenient workstations can lead to errors and physical strain. Leveraging HF/E can help build out standardized control layouts, easy-to-reach storage solutions, adjustable workstations equipped with monitor arms and customizable seating, and voice-activated controls can all help healthcare professionals work more effectively. 
• Designing patient care areas: Poorly lit and designed patient care areas can lead to increased anxiety, confusion, and accidents for patients. According to the World Health Organization, “Patient falls are the most frequent adverse events in hospitals. Their rate of occurrence ranges from 3 to 5 per 1000 bed-days, and more than one third of these incidents result in injury.”
  
  Creating well-organized and comfortable spaces promotes patient well-being and reduces the risk of falls or confusion. For example, innovations such as non-slip flooring and grab bars in patient rooms and bathrooms help support mobility, especially for individuals with physical limitations. 

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in healthcare

Outside of optimizing physical environments for healthcare workers and patients, the use of technology also plays an important role. The increase in technology and digitalization within the healthcare industry has helped increase efficiency and timeliness. 93% of primary care practitioners in approximately 24 countries use digital technologies, such as electronic medical records (EMRs). Additionally, technology such as predictive analytics is projected to increase, as 60% of healthcare executives have stated that their organization has already started utilizing it.

The rise in technology necessitates a focus on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). User-friendly interfaces and intuitive design remain a driving force in EMRs, medical devices, and telemedicine platforms. Human factors and ergonomics principles can:

• Streamline workflow: Intuitive interfaces reduce cognitive load and time on administrative and operation tasks, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care. 
• Improve patient outcomes: Clear communication tools within HCI systems facilitate accurate information sharing and informed decision-making, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Investing in wearable devices, biosensors and artificial intelligence can evaluate our ability to streamline workflow, provider well-being and patient outcomes. 

Prioritizing the human factor

The healthcare industry thrives on the human element – the dedication, expertise, and compassion of its professionals. Investing in HF/E is an investment in the future of healthcare 

It’s about creating a work environment where human potential flourishes, and where technology serves as a seamless extension of our ability to care. By embracing HF/E, we can ensure that the system works for everyone – caregivers, patients, and the health of our communities.

Photo: ipopba, Getty Images

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