Just published in
Clinics in Perinatology Abstract:
Human factors analysis (HFE) presents a formidable contribution to
quality improvement (QI) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The
science behind the fundamental principles concerning the design of work
systems that match the needs of the people who work in them is sound
and is applied widely in other safety critical situations. Early
application of HFE in NICUs has shown the usefulness of these methods
for frontline teams working to improve quality, reliability, and safety.
The inclusion of human factors considerations in the design of
structure and process has the potential to improve outcomes for patients
and families and to improve the comfort and usability of work systems
for providers who work in them. New technologies and continual change
must be informed and designed through the application of HFE methods and
principles to realize the full potential of QI.