Teamwork requires co-operation, co-ordination and communication between members of a team to achieve desired outcomes. In industries with a high degree of risk, such as health care, effective teamwork has been shown to achieve team goals successfully and efficiently, with fewer errors. This article introduces behaviours that support communication, co-operation and co-ordination in teams. The central role of communication in enabling co-operation and co-ordination is explored. A human factors perspective is used to examine tools to improve communication and identify barriers to effective team communication in health care.
Effective management of the deteriorating patient requires early recognition of the signs of deterioration, timely review and appropriate interventions. However, this does not always occur. Errors in the recognition and management of a deteriorating patient are rarely related to a single factor; rather they are a complex interaction of system and human factors. This article presents a case study focusing on understanding the factors that led to errors resulting in the death of a patient. Understanding the complex interaction of system and human factors enables the identification of strategies that could be used to decrease the likelihood of a similar incident occurring.
Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) continue to be a challenge in developed and developing countries. Hand hygiene practice is considered to be the most effective strategy to prevent HCAIs, but healthcare workers' compliance is poor. Using a human factors perspective, this article explores elements that affect healthcare workers' hand hygiene compliance. Slips, lapses and mistakes can occur depending on the worker's skills and knowledge levels. Violations of protocols may also occur, and these may be associated with the intention to provide care efficiently. Strong leadership and an understanding of why non-compliance with hand hygiene occurs assists with developing strategies to improve compliance.
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