Insights into Human Nature Can Improve Our Safety Systems
نویسنده
چکیده
748 P&T® • December 2004 • Vol. 29 No. 12 It is widely recognized that system failures cause errors. Well-designed systems that employ technology, where appropriate and when used correctly, offer the best chance of preventing errors. But has our growing attention to systems and technology caused us to overlook interventions that can improve our mental performance? While we are beginning to better understand health care systems, have we devoted equal attention to understanding how the human mind operates and what conditions adversely affect its function? Have we done enough to identify how stressproducing aspects of our home and work environments can affect our job performance and what steps can be taken to help people cope with them? Also, do we consider how personal beliefs, values, and attitudes influence job performance? The late Anthony Grasha, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Cincinnati, studied mental performance and psychosocial factors that influence the accuracy of outpatient pharmacists.1,2 He considered how environmental factors (work pace, illumination, noise, and interruptions), organizational dynamics (supervisory practices), and personal qualities (demeanor, patience, ability to manage stress, and interpersonal relationships) affect job performance. His research suggests practical methods of preventing errors and improving safety in our workplaces. Here’s a sampling of his findings along with specific interventions:
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