Reference no: EM133629469

Problem

Human factor is the study of human interactions with a number of elements in their environment and the profession that applies data, theory and principles, in order to optimize systems and human performance. The goal is to enhance safety performance and user satisfaction within the systems of human interaction by recognizing human limitations and abilities, we are able to design tasks, training, devices, environments and organization structure to fit human traits. This enhances overall system performance and reduces errors (Yamada et al., 2019).

It is important to acknowledge that adverse events occur because of failures in the system not because of an individual. Human error should not be seen as the cause of patient harm, but rather a system failure. Teamwork is very important in the Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) setting. Medical errors have been found to be due to inattention, failure to follow a policy, poor teamwork and communication problems. Effective communication in complex situations is imperative, which may include surgery, intensive care and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is one of the most frequently identified root causes of all healthcare sentinel events. Communication failure lead to errors, and errors can result in lapses of team performance that are clinically significant (Yamada et al., 2019).

One of the biggest areas of flawed decision making in the NICU is recognizing sepsis. We have a sepsis algorithm that we are to follow if we think the patient is showing signs of sepsis. It is time sensitive in the time we have to call a sepsis huddle, draw labs and get antibiotics started. Many times physicians are not listening to new nurses, especially on the night shift. They are waiting for dayshift to do all the labs and start treatment, if they don't believe the patient is septic. The other scenario is that they are not getting the orders in, in a timely manner to follow the sepsis protocol. There is also the other part of a nurse not recognizing signs of sepsis and notifying the medical team. In general, there has been alot of education, but I feel like we don't have accountability in the unit. There is also not a lot of follow up or review of new education, to see what is working well for staff. Recognizing and treating sepsis is a big deal in healthcare. Failure to do so could cost the organization penalties and the possibility of a law suite from the patient or the family.

What is your comment/feedback on this statement. Add 1 reference.

FYI, this is the question of this answer: Describe what is meant by the term human factors. Take a minute to think critically about your own strengths, limitations, and values. Now think about your team members. How do these areas have an impact on clinical decision making in relation to patient safety? Be specific. Provide an example of flawed clinical decision making and potential legal ramifications.