nursing

Patient Factors as Human Factors

Introduction.  Patients are humans and many of the concepts and ideas we learned about human factors for professionals also apply to patients. For example, we should anticipate reading errors or memory limitations when patients manage their medications. More than ever, patients and family caregivers are taking on the responsibility of managing their own health care related activities. 
One of the threats to patient safety is the communication gaps among professionals of different roles across different care episodes. We can use the proactive risk reduction ideas to anticipate such gaps. For example, safety may be enhanced by assuming that there are communication gaps when a patient is transitioned from one care setting to another. 
In this video, the cognitive task of remembering active medications is supported by taking a list of medications or bringing medication bottles. In doing so, potential communication gaps on prescribed medications among professionals may be bridged. 
Expectations. This is an assigned video and you are required to submit your reflections after watching the video.  Click the video link below to watch. Then click the link Submit Assignment ABOVE, to show the submission area. You can write your reflections in a file and then copy and paste, or write directly into the space provided. Do not forget to submit.
Write down your reflection (300 words or less) using these two questions as a guide:

What failure modes would you expect on maintaining an accurate medication list by the patient?
What non-medication related communication gaps do you see in health care? 

Grading. A rubric is provided to explain the criteria for points and how you are graded.
San Juan Regional Medical Center. The Importance of the Home Medication Form [Internet]. 2018 [Cited 13 September 2018]. Available at https://youtu.be/A6wM94DEOuY