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Human Factors in Paramedic Practice
Author: Gary RutherfordOVERVIEW
Human factors is a scientific discipline which is used to understand the interacting elements and design of a complex system, aimed at improving system performance and optimising human well-being. This book brings together a range of specialist authors to explore some of the key concepts of human factors related to the field of paramedic practice. The system elements of paramedic practice can include the patient, the paramedic and their colleagues, the environment, the equipment, the tasks, and the processes and procedures of the organisation. The relationships between these components are explored in detail through chapters which cover ‘human error’, systems thinking, human-centred design, interaction with the patient, non-technical skills of individuals and teams, well-being of the paramedic, safety culture and learning from events.
This helpful and informative guide provides frontline paramedics and ambulance clinicians with practical advice and knowledge of human factors that will be helpful in supporting safe and effective practice for all involved. It will also be of interest to pre-hospital care professionals who are involved in education, learning from events, procurement and influencing safety culture. Above all, it shows how an understanding and application of human factors principles can enhance system performance and well-being, and ultimately lead to safer patient care.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Human Factors
Chapter 2 – Human Factors and Ergonomics
Chapter 3 – ‘Human Error’
Chapter 4 – Systems Thinking
Chapter 5 – Human-centred Design
Chapter 6 – The Patient: An Element of the System
Chapter 7 – Wellbeing of the Paramedic
Chapter 8 – Situation Awareness and Decision Making
Chapter 9 – Teamwork in Paramedic Practice
Chapter 10 – Learning from Events
Chapter 11 – Safety Culture: Theory and Practice
ENDORSEMENTS
We are entering an era where healthcare will be truly seen as a safety critical industry. The nature of paramedic practice in particular will need a well-informed professional workforce who are able to examine the systems and conditions they work in to understand how to make the care they provide as safe and effective as possible. This book will be essential reading for paramedics in all practice settings as it covers the key elements which will allow paramedics to better understand the complex sociotechnical realities of the care they provide to patients.
Andy Collen, author of Decision Making in Paramedic Practice
I would highly recommend this book, not only to paramedics but also to their colleagues in healthcare. It has been written by a premier league team of human factors specialists and frontline experts who share their knowledge and experience of applying human factors science to paramedic practice. It’s very accessible, has a sound evidence base, and features many practical examples showing how to apply the tools and techniques.
Rhona Flin, Professor of Industrial Psychology, Robert Gordon University, UK
Whatever role you’re in, this is the book you need. If you want to understand how humans and systems interact, and what that means for you and your patients, this is where you should start. This will become an essential tool for my role, and one I’d encourage everyone to buy.
Jordan Nicholls, Patient Safety Integration Lead, East of England Ambulance Service, UK
As a paramedic, I am grateful to the authors and editor for pulling it together into a meaningful textbook with the potential to support clinicians to learn from mistakes, firmly establish human factors within the undergraduate paramedic curriculum and revolutionise incident investigations at an organisational level.
Human factors in paramedic practice—not really about the humans but the system
Caitlin Wilson, Paramedic, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, UK
