1. critically and systematically engage with the key Human Factors tools, techniques, standards and guidelines that are required for professional practice
Knowledge & Understanding,
Enquiry

2. apply a systems-based approach to problem solving that is integrated and evidence based, utilising a systematic and comprehensive knowledge of human strengths, capabilities and limitation
Analysis,
Problem Solving,
Application

3. plan and effectively communicate Human Factors training that meets the needs of differing audiences, at different levels within your organisation to support the implementation of improvement suggestions Communication,
Reflection

4.compare and contrast different systems theories and their strengths and weaknesses when used to develop successful systems, including their ability to identify and support the human roles necessary to achieve success (safety, quality, effectiveness)
Reflection

The Summative Assessment:

1. Create and reflect on a communication strategy that presents and explains your proposal for an Improvement Opportunity. This assessment will be based on Either a Case Study, provided to you, or your choice of a requirement from your own organisation. You will plan a systems approach for achieving improvement and present your reasons for selecting this approach, with an accompanying communications strategy. The Communication Strategy shall include the needs of the Board through to the needs of patients and those working at the front line
This assessment Links to all four learning outcomes


Formative Assessments:
During this module there will be a number of formative assessment opportunities including multiple choice tests, the opportunity to present the details of an existing system based on a selected theory of systems design, and the opportunity to consider different types of communication eg board paper, poster, leaflet to help drive implementation of change. This links to Learning Outcomes 1-4

The Discussion Board is regularly attended by your course tutors in order to provide feedback.
This links to Learning Outcomes 1-4

This module addresses the concept of Human Factors by implementing a Systems based approach. This module will:

1. Introduce you to a range of different Systems design theories (for example systems thinking, theory of systemic design, user centred design theories, socio-technical system theories) and support you to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of these theories when applied within health and social care settings. This will include appropriate patient and family engagement and the role of patients as co-producers for design.

2. Extend your knowledge of Human Performance and the human sciences, building upon what you learnt in module one. This will consider the theories associated with the concept of “normal” vs “inclusive” and why and to what extent it is necessary to account for a range of human capabilities, including the impact of age and disability on these capabilities. This will include information processing theories and theories associated with human memory

3. Support you with identifying what makes a good system from a Human Factors perspective. You will be encouraged to reflect on the concept of a ‘good system’ and whether this is a theoretical construct or has any validity when applied to health and social care systems – particularly integrated care systems and patient care pathways across health and social care.

4. Provide you with an understanding of some of the Tools and Techniques that are available to capture the goals of a system and the tasks that people will be expected to perform, for example HTA- hierarchical task analysis, GOMS – Goals, Operators, Methods and Selections, SSADM – Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method, CTA - Cognitive Task Analysis, UX design – user centred design

5. Help you to Identify the need for people at different levels and in different roles within an organisation to know about Human Factors, so that you can design and implement an appropriate Human Factors education and training programme. This will include reference to research, and recommendations from for example; the World Health

Organisation, and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF)

Do you feel strongly that socio-technical systems (those relying on people and equipment working together) within the NHS and Social Services should be suitable to ensure the Safety, Health and Wellbeing of all those involved?

This module introduces you to a Systems Based approach for Human Factors which addresses the functions of systems from a human perspective; helping you to identify what people are expected to do and hence what they need in order to be successful.

To enable you to positively influence the process of creating or improving a system, you will be provided with appropriate Human Factors knowledge plus the tools, techniques, theories, research findings, standards and guidelines for success.

This module will commence with a video discussion of systems from a number of theoretical perspectives and the importance of including input from all those who use, work within or engage with such systems. You will also be provided with an overview of each module topic area.

You will attend three separate days on campus; the first will provide the opportunity to review systems theory and to use techniques for including Human Factors within system specifications and reviews. Your second campus day will include lab work and simulations to experience/observe the impact of Human Factors in action. Your final campus day will examine different communication types (eg a board paper, on-line, posters, simulations) and the importance of developing a communication strategy and a Human Factors training plan.

Each week, a new topic area will be released and once released these materials will remain open for you to use at any time, at your own pace. The topic introduction may be in the form of a lecture, webinar, power point lecture, animation or text introduction. The duration will match the complexity of the information being delivered. This will be supported by specific texts and additional materials for you to access.

The discussion board will once again be available and at a set time each week your module lead will be on-line to answer questions and to add discussion board content.

You will be expected to undertake guided independent study to consolidate your learning, and to complete formative and summative assessments.

Scheduled teaching and learning activities (33):
This includes on-line lectures, webinars, videos, briefings; online interactive discussions; individual tutorial on campus or by phone or video; on campus presentations, discussions, labs, activities

Guided Independent Study Hours (42):
This includes online materials, tasks, discussions and links

Independent Study Hours (125):
This includes time to complete your Portfolio logbook, your summative assessment, reading and research

Berlin, C. & Adams, C. (2017) Production Ergonomics: designing work systems to support optimal performance. London: Ubiquity Press Ltd

Boy G.A. (2020) Human-Systems Integration. London: CRC Press

Bridger, R. (2017) Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics, 4th edition. London: CRC Press
Travis, D. & Hodgson, P. (2019) Think like a UX Researcher. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press

Guastello, S.J. (2014) Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics a systems approach, 2nd edition. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press

Wilson, J.R. (2014) ‘Fundamentals of systems ergonomics/human factors’, Applied Ergonomics, vol. 45, issue 1, January 2014, pages 5-13

Woodward, S. (2017) Rethinking Patient Safety. Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis

Successful completion of this module will require you to have access to a Computer and good internet access

Pre-requisites Must have studied Module 1 Introducing Human Factors