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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
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The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
Published on: January 19, 2019
Conceptions of human factors in simulation-based education: a phenomenographic study.
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK. a.kitt@worc.ac.uk.
Advances in Simulation (London, England)
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Simulation educators have varied understandings of human factors (HF), impacting patient safety education. Aligning these diverse views with contemporary HF science can improve training and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Patient safety research
- Healthcare simulation
- Human factors science
Background:
- Human factors (HF) are critical for patient safety.
- Simulation-based education (SBE) is a common method for teaching HF.
- Facilitators' understanding of HF varies significantly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the diverse ways SBE facilitators conceptualize human factors.
- To identify the range of facilitators' conceptions of HF in patient safety education.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative phenomenographic study.
- 12 SBE facilitators from diverse backgrounds participated.
- Semi-structured interviews were analyzed iteratively.
Main Results:
- Four distinct conceptions of HF were identified: patient-safety science, human-to-human interactions, individual performance optimization, and error reduction.
- Conceptions varied in scope and alignment with HF theory.
- Professional background and educational context influenced facilitators' views.
Conclusions:
- Heterogeneous conceptions of HF among facilitators can lead to inconsistent SBE.
- Broader, systems-informed conceptions align better with current HF science.
- Enhanced faculty development and collaboration are needed to improve HF education and patient safety.
