Human Factors and Ergonomics module (PN50219)
Critically examine Human Factors science and its application to healthcare. Develop the skills to analyse work systems and design service improvements that enhance patient safety
Human Factors science examines how people interact with the systems, environments, and organisations around them. In healthcare, this understanding is increasingly important for improving teamwork, patient flow, and the safety of care.
This module traces the history and development of Human Factors science and helps you build a clear understanding of what it involves and how it relates to healthcare delivery. You'll examine approaches to service improvement, including how to analyse ombudsman reports through a Human Factors lens, and consider how culture, engagement, and the human dimensions of change affect improvement efforts.
You'll also explore the goals and principles of Human Factors and how they intersect with patient safety, including the SEIPS framework and the concepts of Safety I and Safety II.
The assessment asks you to develop a service improvement project grounded in Human Factors principles, drawing on real aspects of practice in your own workplace. This module is studied fully online and is a programme-specific module for MSc Quality Improvement, Human Factors and Patient Safety.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- critically evaluate the theoretical background to Human Factors science
- develop a critical awareness of Human Factors principles, approaches, and their application to service delivery
- trace the history of Human Factors science and its relationship to healthcare delivery
- examine concepts of service improvement, culture, and the human dimensions of change
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- critically discuss the concept of Human Factors science in relation to patient safety and improvement science
- compare and contrast approaches and tools used to analyse work systems
- critically evaluate the importance of culture, practice, and environment in the context of Human Factors science
- use critical reflection on your learning to devise appropriate strategies to deliver service improvements within your workplace
Assignments / assessments
Coursework (100%)
- A 2,000-word written assignment in four sections: Background Context and Drivers (500 words), Analysis of the Work System including culture, practice, and environment (500 words), Proposal for Service Improvement (700 words), and Critical Reflection (300 words)
This module does not have a final exam.
Teaching methods / timetable
- Online lectures and master classes via My Dundee
- Online tutorials
- Discussion boards, blogs, and Padlets
Module lead
- Type
- Person
