Topic outline

  • Course Description

    Doctors in training must engage with safety and quality. Human Factors is a person-centred safety science exploring how individuals interact with work systems. It is recognised by the GMC (and other regulators) as offering a practical framework for developing safety competencies. This course offers an introduction to systems-thinking as well as a ‘Human Factors toolkit.’ UK workforce planning includes roles with a specific safety focus. This course would suit anyone with an interest in this as a possible career option, or those with a general interest in safety and quality.

    This course is capped at 16

    Course coordinator; helen.vosper@abdn.ac.uk 


    • What skills does the course develop?

      Intended learning outcomes to demonstrate.

      ·       understanding of the role and application of Human Factors/ergonomics principles to optimising system performance across the healthcare sector, taking into account workforce and patient capabilities;

      ·       the ability to identify potential and existing high-risk tasks, activities, and environments.

      ·       understanding of the theoretical and practice bases for healthcare systems analysis, re-design and/or development.


      • What will the timetable be like?

        2 interactive lectures and one 3hr seminar each week


        • How will I be assessed?

          Formative-  To complete an individual hierarchical task analysis.

          Summative – Reflective report

          Students will submit a 3000-word report describing a partial analysis of a relevant system using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety as a framework.


          • Anything else I should know?

            • What did previous students think about this course?

              'An interesting course which made me think about the bigger picture of the medical field; the tutorials and workshops were very helpful and informative with our projects. The format of in-person and online sessions worked well'

              • Useful links

                Staff Profile Dr Helen Vosper https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/helen.vosper