Mark Doyle

Q1. What did you enjoy about the Human Factors in Patient Safety programme?

Learning the theoretical basis for much of the human factors issues faced over a long clinical career and managed during that time by trial and error/experience.

Q2. Explain the benefits that you get from attending and completing the programme?

I'm involved in conducting critical incident reviews and find my approach has changed, becoming much more systems orientated; even when individual behaviour appears to be at issue I'm better able to look for contributory factors leading to that behaviour.

Q3. What would you identify was the single feature that exceeded your expectations on the programme?

The face-to-face days had consistently high-quality teachers and were very interactive.

Q4. What advice would you give to potential candidates thinking about completing the programme?

Human factors issues arise again and again in clinical practice and lack of awareness around these issues creates fundamental and recurring problems around patient safety, staff welfare and provision of effective and efficient healthcare. The knowledge and experience gained from the programme is invaluable and it is also a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. If you have the opportunity, go for it!

Q5. How did the Human Factors in Patient Safety programme helped your surgical training journey/career?

I did the programme at the end of my clinical career. I had, for a long time, been aware of the importance of human factors science and my interest in the subject led to the programme. It would have been great to do it earlier in my career.

Q6. Any further comments about your experience on this programme?

This is a highly stimulating, interactive, challenging and enjoyable programme. Anyone involved in healthcare will benefit.

Mark Doyle, MSc in Human Factors in Patient Safety, Class of 2020