Identification and analysis of human errors in emergency department nurses using SHERPA method

Human errors are the underlying cause of many occupational accidents. In recent years, human errors have increased in the healthcare sector.

This study aimed to identify human errors committed by emergency department (ED) nurses working at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan using the SHERPA method.

This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study performed in the emergency department of Shahid Beheshti Hospital. Human errors were first identified and analyzed using the Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) technique and then studied using the SHERPA method.

In total, 426 errors were identified including 263 action errors, 108 checking errors, 35 selection errors, 12 retrieval errors, and eight communication errors. Also, based on the levels presented in the risk matrix in terms of severity of consequences, the highest percentage (36.34%) belonged to the borderline category.

The majority of identified errors were action errors, which can be reduced by providing appropriate instructions and training nurses, compiling reports and building error recording systems, improving management controls, and promoting a safety culture.