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Integrating human factors research and surgery: a review
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|December 19, 2012
Summary
Human factors research in surgery highlights that teamwork and communication failures significantly contribute to surgical errors. Designing better systems can prevent or detect errors, improving patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Safety
- Human Factors Engineering
- Medical Error Analysis
Background:
- Surgical errors continue to occur despite increased safety awareness.
- Disruptions in surgical flow, including teamwork and communication failures, are major contributors to adverse events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review human factors research relevant to surgical practice.
- To identify themes and interventions for improving surgical safety and flow.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed using keywords related to human factors and surgery.
- Selection of 77 empirical studies, emphasizing prospective designs.
- Review by human factors specialists and clinicians.
Main Results:
- Emerging themes include human factors theories, their application in surgery, the concept of 'flow', and the value of human-centered interventions.
- Identified interventions focus on improving safety and operational flow in surgical settings.
Conclusions:
- While some human error is unavoidable, system design improvements can prevent or detect errors.
- Collaboration between surgeons and human factors experts is crucial for future research.
- Valid, real-world data is essential for developing effective interventions to reduce surgical errors.
