Summary
Please note: This course consists of three components: online pre-course learning (two hours) and two classroom training days (seven hours each). All online pre-course learning must be completed before attending the first classroom training day. Failure to do so may result in refusal of entry. The classroom training will take place in RCSI Dublin.
The two-day Accredited Certificate in Simulation-Based Training in Human Factors in Patient Safety provides an introduction to human factors in healthcare.
It is not an uncommon observation that healthcare professionals can have preconceived notions regarding what human factors involves. Some physicians will have been involved with ‘debriefing’ in the context of a managing a challenging clinical case such as a cardiac arrest, or a major trauma scenario.
People often think of non-technical skills, such as communication, leadership, teamwork, situational awareness. But the principles of human factors are equally applicable to technical skills, including our equipment, our staff, our work environment and the system of our healthcare delivery.
Human factors refers to the environmental, organisational and job factors, and human and individual characteristics which influence behaviour at work in a way which can affect health and safety.
This certificate is delivered as two separate days, each with a distinct theme and begins with an overall introductory lecture, followed by a series of practical and interactive workshops developing on the key theme. On completion, successful participants will be awarded an RCSI Accredited CPD-SS Certificate in Human Factors in Patient Safety.
Day 1: Communication Skills – 28 October 2026
This is a classroom-based day, which involves a series of interactive workshops. It covers a basic introduction to the multifaceted world of human factors, and how it applies to healthcare. During the day, a recording of a complex clinical scenario involving significant safety challenges will be discussed. Through an interactive workshop we will explore how applying the principles of human factors may help to identify underlying causative and contributory factors in such challenging clinical circumstances. The non-technical skill of communication in healthcare will be explored. We will discuss barriers to communication and will explore different models and tools that may aid in optimising communication. We will also look at challenging scenarios and strategies for when communication breaks down.
Day 2: Multi-disciplinary Team Training – 9 November 2026
This day is a simulation-based educational day and focuses on the principles of emergency crisis resource management. The evolution of crisis resource management training has largely been through the aviation industry. Since the 1970s, there has been a recognition that in up to 70% of airline tragedies that some form of human error resulting from teamwork could be identified. Candidates will be given the opportunity to participate in teams and be immersed in managing a number of complex clinical scenarios. Each scenario will be followed by a debrief during which we will explore the principles of crisis resource management.
Suitable for: SHOs and registrars in all surgical specialities.