Human Factors Hub

A key part of our national development work and in building this online network is to ensure that the right messages about the purpose, approach and benefits of Human Factors are spread across Health and Social Care in Scotland.

The advice below from prominent Human Factors specialist, Dr Steven Shorrock, is about ensuring that those we work with and seek Human Factors guidance and education from are suitably qualified, experienced, accredited and indemnified (in the exact same way you would expect from a nurse, pharmacist or doctor, for example)

Steve Shorrock outlines Five Questions for health and social care organisations ask before Buying Human Factors Training or Consultancy:

Qualification – Do they have a recognised qualification in Human Factors?

Accreditation – Do they have an appropriate level of membership of Human Factors related professional organisation? (e.g. Registered or Chartered Membership of the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors)

Code of Ethics – Do they abide by a code of ethical conduct from a Human Factors- related society or association?

Experience – Do they have experience in the Human Factors work and the domain of interest?

Social recognition – Is the person recognised as a Human Factors specialist by other qualified Human Factors specialists?
 
The article below, also by Steve Shorrock, expands on the issue we have in healthcare around professional appropriation related to the science and practice of Human Factors, please select the link to view the article: 

Steve Shorrock: The Problem with Professional Appropriation: The Case of 'Human Factors' and Ergonomics