The present discussion panel addresses the need and possible approaches forproviding integrative and inclusive human factors design of medical work units. Anassociated question is whether such a design perspective can be achieved without theinstantiation of in house human factors teams. While recognition of the generalimportance and possible contribution of human factors to efficiency and safety of healthcare is on the rise and is accompanied by a rapidly growing body research andpublications; to date its focus has been mainly on individual systems and isolated workprocedures. An important overlooked requirement is for a coherent and inclusive designof the global work unit (operating theater, hospital ward, neonatal unit, etc, etc), muchthe same way in which the overall configuration of an airplane cockpit or a processcontrol room are considered. Furthermore, can such an inclusive perspective of workunits be achieved, unless health care institutes establish in house human factors teams?These are the topics to be evaluated.
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