Publication: Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing
Date: 1/1/2010
Authors: Laura R. Mahlmeister, PhD, RN
Abstract: The author claims that, “The failure to keep pace with human factors innovations in the design of high-risk health care operations undoubtedly contributes to significant error and “never events”(serious errors that should never occur) in perinatal care. This article defines medical error and describes how the interplay between human factors, technology, and the work environment influences medical error rates. The efficacy of HFE [human factor engineering] in reducing and mitigating errors in obstetric settings is discussed. Recommendations are made for the application of HFE to perinatal systems.”
