Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) is potentially useful for SLRs because it is a Human Factors method that breaks down complex tasks into a structured, tree-like diagram of goals, sub-goals, and operations. It describes the steps users take to achieve a specific objective, including the conditions and sequences (plans) required. HTA is used to identify bottlenecks, improve interface design, and create training materials. HTA is not always necessary as part of a well conducted Safety Learning Review (SLR), but sometimes maybe useful in this context. Also, it maybe the case that the SLR recommends that a specific complex care task should be subject to an HTA, for example, to provide greater clarity and a better understanding of how this task is performed by different people under different system conditions.
Hierarchical Task Analysis - Dr Helen Vosper
Four things you will hear about in this pre-recorded webinar:
A description of how HTA breaks a task into goals, sub-goals, and detailed steps, including the importance of sequencing and decision points. This helps reveal the true structure of work.
How people perform tasks in multiple ways and how to capture this variability systematically—crucial for understanding why performance differs.
The presenters describe difference between observable actions and the cognitive processes behind them, and how context, tools, environment, and mental models shape performance.
Highlighting practical low-tech ways to create HTAs (e.g., Post-its, simple diagrams) and how to apply HTA alongside observation and interviews.
