Human factors in healthcare refer to the study of how humans interact with elements in a system, such as equipment, tasks, and environment, and how these interactions affect their behavior and performance12. The goal of human factors engineering is to optimize human performance, health, and safety2.
In the context of the question, the causes of the error identified during the root cause analysis are all related to human factors:
Fatigue and stress leading to inattention: This is a psychological factor that can significantly affect a person's ability to perform tasks effectively and safely. Fatigue and stress can impair cognitive functions such as attention, decision-making, and reaction time1.
Pressure to accomplish more tasks in the same amount of time: This is an organizational factor that can create a stressful work environment, leading to rushed work, shortcuts, and mistakes1.
The equipment was designed for right-handed staff: This is a design factor that can affect the usability and safety of equipment. If equipment is not designed to accommodate the needs of all users, it can lead to errors and accidents1.
These factors are all part of the human factors framework, which emphasizes the importance of designing systems and processes that take into account human capabilities and limitations2.
Reference:
1: Human Factors in Healthcare - NHS England
2: Human Factors in Healthcare | SpringerLink
4: Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality Detailed Content ... - NAHQ