| CHFG Clinical Human Factors Group |
|
Welcome to the website of the Clinical Human Factors Group (CHFG) “Human factors are all the things that make us different from logical, completely predictable machines. How we think and relate to other people, equipment and our environment. It is about how we perform in our roles and how we can optimise that performance to improve safety and efficiency. In simple terms it’s the things that affect our personal performance.” The CHFG formed in 2007 when a group of experts, clinicians and enthusiasts brought their talents together for the sake of patient safety. It was recognised that although all firmly place an understanding of human factors at the heart of improving patient safety, it is an area that the vast majority of healthcare professionals, policy makers, managers and politicians are unaware of. The background to CHFG In April 2005 Elaine Bromiley died as a result of problems during routine surgery. A report produced by the then President of the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland identified serious errors during her time in surgery. In summary, Elaine died as a direct result of clinical errors. Among the three consultants (from two different specialities) there was a collective loss of situational awareness, and apparently failures in decision-making, prioritisation and ultimately leadership during a recognised emergency for which guidelines existed. Among the four nurses there was an apparent inability to communicate directly or intervene (although they tried) despite a general awareness of what was actually occurring and what should have been occurring. The clinicians involved were all experienced, trained and respected individuals who, in theory, knew how to deal with the developing emergency. Unfortunately, human factors intervened.
|