Executive Certificate in Human Factors in Healthcare

4 credits | Fall & Spring Semester

This course introduces learners to relevant theory, content, tools, and methods in the field of patient safety and health care quality. During the six weeks learners will begin exploring techniques for effective improvement science, defining patient safety and quality, and selecting/developing meaningful metrics reflecting patient safety and clinical quality for an organization. The course is a high-level overview of the following topics: patient engagement, psychological safety, human factors, high-reliability organizations and the evolving healthcare environment. 

4 credits | Fall & Spring Semester

 This course provides foundational training in human factors engineering to improve healthcare and reduce safety hazards. During the course topics covered are situational awareness, cognition and decision-making, usability and design, and their impact on the socio-technical system. Learners develop how to apply a systems approach to identify areas of risk, sustainability of solutions, and safety integration.

4 credits | Spring & Summer Semester

The curriculum in this course builds upon the core principles learned in CQSL6508 by applying human factors methodology and skills to improve healthcare. Learners utilize techniques focused on usability evaluations, information visualization, Health IT safety surveillance, and related hazards, as well as implementing technology to prevent errors. The course is designed to enhance learners’ ability to identify, design, develop, deploy, and evaluate solutions in the actual healthcare work environment. Considerations are taken to include known human abilities, limitations, and baseline human error rates while considering the demands of the complex healthcare environment.