Human Factors for Patient Safety

Study options

Award

Key facts

Location:
Centre for Health Innovation Stafford
Location:
Centre for Health Innovation Stafford
Study option:
Part-time, distance learning, Centre for Health Innovation Stafford
Study option:
Part-time, distance learning, Centre for Health Innovation Stafford
Duration:
3 Years
Duration:
1 Year
Start date:
18 September 2023
16 September 2024
School:
School of Health, Science and Wellbeing

REF 2021

100% of research impact is recognised as “very considerable” or “outstanding” (Allied Health)

Future-facing

Developed in collaboration with service users, carers, clinicians and senior healthcare managers

Flexible study

Distance / blended learning options enable you to fit studying around working life

*This course is currently under review/validation*

Patient Safety is an essential part of health and social care that aims to reduce avoidable errors and prevent unintended harm. Human Factors looks at the things that can affect the way people work safely and effectively, such as the optimisation of systems and processes, the design of equipment and devices used and the surrounding environment and culture, all of which are key to providing safer, high quality care. 

This course focuses specifically on Human Factors within the Health and Social Care sectors with the aim of helping health and social care professionals to improve performance in this area.

The PgCert provides you with the skills to apply Human Factors to reduce the risk of incidents occurring, as well as to respond appropriately to health, safety or wellbeing incidents. Through the study of Human Factors, you will be able to demonstrate benefit to everyone involved, including patients, service users, staff, contractors, carers, families and friends.

The PgDip extends your insights and capabilities, providing you with a deeper understanding of the philosophy, theories, science and application of Human Factors within Health and Social Care sectors. This will be achieved by addressing Human Factors principles for both management and physical elements of the systems that you work within. The PgDip will also provide you with an in-depth critical understanding of research methodology and methods for use within Health and Social Care settings. Together, these elements will help you to develop the necessary skills to undertake your MSc dissertation project or evaluation of a project-based change.

Upon completion of the MSc, you will have achieved a comprehensive understanding of the subject area and be able to undertake a critical evaluation of Human Factors in your workplace and elsewhere. You will have developed your reflexive ability to undertake Human Factors research and to deliver achievable Human Factors solutions.

Research Excellence Frame work 2021 (REF 2021)

We’re extremely proud of the results for our Allied Health research submissions:

100% of research impact is recognised as “very considerable” or “outstanding” and

73% of research outputs are rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading”.

Patient Safety is an essential part of health and social care that aims to reduce avoidable errors and prevent unintended harm. Human Factors looks at the things that can affect the way people work safely and effectively, such as the optimisation of systems and processes, the design of equipment and devices used and the surrounding environment and culture, all of which are key to providing safer, high quality care. 

This course focuses specifically on Human Factors within the Health and Social Care sectors with the aim of helping health and social care professionals to improve performance in this area.

The PgCert provides you with the skills to apply Human Factors to reduce the risk of incidents occurring, as well as to respond appropriately to health, safety or wellbeing incidents. Through the study of Human Factors, you will be able to demonstrate benefit to everyone involved, including patients, service users, staff, contractors, carers, families and friends.

The PgDip extends your insights and capabilities, providing you with a deeper understanding of the philosophy, theories, science and application of Human Factors within Health and Social Care sectors. This will be achieved by addressing Human Factors principles for both management and physical elements of the systems that you work within. The PgDip will also provide you with an in-depth critical understanding of research methodology and methods for use within Health and Social Care settings. Together, these elements will help you to develop the necessary skills to undertake your MSc dissertation project or evaluation of a project-based change.

Upon completion of the MSc, you will have achieved a comprehensive understanding of the subject area and be able to undertake a critical evaluation of Human Factors in your workplace and elsewhere. You will have developed your reflexive ability to undertake Human Factors research and to deliver achievable Human Factors solutions.

Research Excellence Frame work 2021 (REF 2021)

We’re extremely proud of the results for our Allied Health research submissions:

100% of research impact is recognised as “very considerable” or “outstanding” and

73% of research outputs are rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading”.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Human Factors for Patient Safety

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: PgCert Human Factors for Patient Safety

Course content

  • Gain a comprehensive and systematic understanding of Human Factors needed as a Human Factors lead, able to work confidently as part of a multi-professional team delivering Patient Safety improvements.
  • Critically analyse your current level of ability in each of the professional competencies required by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (CIEHF). Successful students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of each of the CIEHF professional competencies, which is the first step on the Chartership pathway (see ergonomics.org.uk). 
  • Use an evidence-based systems approach to apply Human Factors knowledge, including the appropriate choice of methods, tools and standards, to address real issues.
  • Provide and assess the Human Factors input to Risk and Usability assessments for design, operational and change phases within a system’s lifecycle.
  • Demonstrate an appropriate incident investigation response, with the ability to identify the underlying influences on human performance, reflect on the precursors of an incident, devise suitable recommendations and to communicate the “lessons learnt”.
  • Confidently collaborate with others and, when appropriate, challenge current knowledge and practices, in order to suggest improvement opportunities to support meaningful and sustainable change.
  • Gain a comprehensive and systematic understanding of Human Factors needed as a Human Factors lead, able to work confidently as part of a multi-professional team delivering Patient Safety improvements.
  • Critically analyse your current level of ability in each of the professional competencies required by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (CIEHF). Successful students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of each of the CIEHF professional competencies, which is the first step on the Chartership pathway (see ergonomics.org.uk). 
  • Use an evidence-based systems approach to apply Human Factors knowledge, including the appropriate choice of methods, tools and standards, to address real issues.
  • Provide and assess the Human Factors input to Risk and Usability assessments for design, operational and change phases within a system’s lifecycle.
  • Demonstrate an appropriate incident investigation response, with the ability to identify the underlying influences on human performance, reflect on the precursors of an incident, devise suitable recommendations and to communicate the “lessons learnt”.
  • Confidently collaborate with others and, when appropriate, challenge current knowledge and practices, in order to suggest improvement opportunities to support meaningful and sustainable change.

Professional body accreditation

The PG Certificate [Pg Cert Human Factors for Patient Safety] has been accepted and recognised by the CIEHF as an Accredited Short Course.

Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors Accredited Short Course logo
Human Factors for Patient Safety

Human Factors for Patient Safety

Video

Course Leader Sue-Whalley Lloyd talks about the need for awareness and ongoing improvements to patient safety.

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Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Introducing Human Factors 20 credits
Let's Talk Risk - What Is Risk And Safety And Why Is This Important 20 credits
The Systems Approach 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Human Factors For Equipment, Instructions And Physical Environment 20 credits
Human Factors For Management Of Organisations, Teams And Individuals 20 credits
Research Methods (In Health And Social Care Settings) 20 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
There are no compulsory modules for this year.
Show 2 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Introducing Human Factors 20 credits
Let's Talk Risk - What Is Risk And Safety And Why Is This Important 20 credits
The Systems Approach 20 credits

Entry requirements

A degree from a UK university or equivalent is desirable but not essential. We also welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and professional experience with evidence of your ability to successfully undertake the course and benefit from it.

For those whose first language is not English you need to demonstrate a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as administered by the British Council in most countries or equivalent.

It is essential that you have access to computer facilities and internet access.

A degree from a UK university or equivalent is desirable but not essential. We also welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and professional experience with evidence of your ability to successfully undertake the course and benefit from it.

For those whose first language is not English you need to demonstrate a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as administered by the British Council in most countries or equivalent.

It is essential that you have access to computer facilities and internet access.

Professor Peter Kevern talks about the impact of his research

Professor Peter Kevern talks about the impact of his research

Video

Peter Kevern, Professor of Values in Health and Social Care, talks about the real-world impact and benefits of his research.

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For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

Community House (Stoke)

A fully furnished house used for simulated, scenario-based training. It includes audio and video facilities to record simulated exercises and allow detailed tutor and peer feedback.

Blackboard (VLE)

Blackboard is a virtual learning environment which houses your learning content.  It enables online teaching/learning, provides spaces to build online communities and knowledge sharing.

Careers

Successful completion will provide part of your evidence to show your suitability to lead or contribute to human factors developments within your health or social care organisation and to move into roles such as:

  • Incident Investigator
  • Human Factors Specialist
  • Healthcare Manager
  • Clinical Information Officer
  • Director within an NHS Trust
  • Patient Safety and Quality Leader
  • Leader of transformational change programmes
  • Leader of clinical improvement programmes

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Professor Chris Gidlow talks about the impact of his research

Professor Chris Gidlow talks about the impact of his research

Video

Chris Gidlow, Professor of Applied Health Research, talks about the real-world impact and benefits of his research.

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Teaching and assessment

Teaching

All modules are provided as part-time with one module per term over two years, followed by your MSc research dissertation or project based change. The distance learning option enables you to engage with the materials from any location and at a time that suit you best and the blended approach means you’ll also have the opportunity for on-campus contact with your peers and your tutor team.

To help you schedule your time for learning, there will be a weekly release of new topic materials. The initial introduction to these materials occurs at a set time each week but once live, these materials remain available to you for the duration of your course.

A specific feature of this course is the exciting use of simulation in all its forms, from low to high fidelity, developed in conjunction with Staffordshire University’s Simulation and Patient Safety lead.

This course has been developed to cover the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) professional competencies, with cognisance of the International Ergonomics Association (Ergonomics is an alternative term used for Human Factors) competency requirements. This means that wherever you are based, you know that you will have covered your national competency requirements.

Virtual Learning Environment

The use of the Virtual Learning Environment will enable sharing and collaboration, with the opportunity to watch live webinars, video recordings, power point presentations, simulations (recorded and real time) and to achieve collaborative working on projects and discussions.

As part of establishing an online community, through the platform you will be able to create smaller groups for project work and group discussions.

There will be a discussion board available for you to participate in live and ongoing discussions, prompted by suggested discussion topics as highlighted in your module handbooks. This will be ‘attended’ by one of your tutors at set times to support your conversations and answer any group questions.

You will also have access to links that provide you with guided learning opportunities and formative assessments, such as multiple-choice tests and the submission of portfolio logbook entries.

All modules are provided as part-time with one module per term over two years, followed by your MSc research dissertation or project based change. The distance learning option enables you to engage with the materials from any location and at a time that suit you best and the blended approach means you’ll also have the opportunity for on-campus contact with your peers and your tutor team.

To help you schedule your time for learning, there will be a weekly release of new topic materials. The initial introduction to these materials occurs at a set time each week but once live, these materials remain available to you for the duration of your course.

A specific feature of this course is the exciting use of simulation in all its forms, from low to high fidelity, developed in conjunction with Staffordshire University’s Simulation and Patient Safety lead.

This course has been developed to cover the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) professional competencies, with cognisance of the International Ergonomics Association (Ergonomics is an alternative term used for Human Factors) competency requirements. This means that wherever you are based, you know that you will have covered your national competency requirements.

Virtual Learning Environment

The use of the Virtual Learning Environment will enable sharing and collaboration, with the opportunity to watch live webinars, video recordings, power point presentations, simulations (recorded and real time) and to achieve collaborative working on projects and discussions.

As part of establishing an online community, through the platform you will be able to create smaller groups for project work and group discussions.

There will be a discussion board available for you to participate in live and ongoing discussions, prompted by suggested discussion topics as highlighted in your module handbooks. This will be ‘attended’ by one of your tutors at set times to support your conversations and answer any group questions.

You will also have access to links that provide you with guided learning opportunities and formative assessments, such as multiple-choice tests and the submission of portfolio logbook entries.

Assessment

There are a variety of assessment methods used throughout all the awards and all modules. This enables you to evaluate your Continuing Professional Development as well as for assessment of your attainment for the PgCert and PgDip. All the assessment methods used are commensurate with University regulations for Masters level work and are designed to verify that learning outcomes have been achieved.

As part of the assessment strategy, both Formative and Summative assessments will be included. The role of the Formative assessments is to provide an early indication of the level of output you are expected to achieve in order to be successful. This recognises that you may be coming to one of these courses after a long break in academic study.

The CIEHF Portfolio Logbook is introduced in Module One and, although not formally assessed, you are provided with opportunities to submit entries for feedback, starting in Module One and continuing throughout your PGCert studies. This portfolio enables you to engage with the CIEHF professional competencies that you will need to complete once you are eligible to apply for Chartership (see www.ergonomics.org.uk for pathways to Chartership).

Other forms of assessment will include essays, developing a change strategy, reports (e.g. incident investigation, reflective report), simulation exercises, group project, case study analysis and presentations.

You will be provided with the opportunity to seek assessment guidance and feedback from the module tutor through assignment workshops, individual face-to-face or Skype based meetings, email or telephone.

There are a variety of assessment methods used throughout all the awards and all modules. This enables you to evaluate your Continuing Professional Development as well as for assessment of your attainment for the PgCert and PgDip. All the assessment methods used are commensurate with University regulations for Masters level work and are designed to verify that learning outcomes have been achieved.

As part of the assessment strategy, both Formative and Summative assessments will be included. The role of the Formative assessments is to provide an early indication of the level of output you are expected to achieve in order to be successful. This recognises that you may be coming to one of these courses after a long break in academic study.

The CIEHF Portfolio Logbook is introduced in Module One and, although not formally assessed, you are provided with opportunities to submit entries for feedback, starting in Module One and continuing throughout your PGCert studies. This portfolio enables you to engage with the CIEHF professional competencies that you will need to complete once you are eligible to apply for Chartership (see www.ergonomics.org.uk for pathways to Chartership).

Other forms of assessment will include essays, developing a change strategy, reports (e.g. incident investigation, reflective report), simulation exercises, group project, case study analysis and presentations.

You will be provided with the opportunity to seek assessment guidance and feedback from the module tutor through assignment workshops, individual face-to-face or Skype based meetings, email or telephone.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Independent learning

Independent learning is central to all postgraduate level study and is critical for success on distance learning programmes. Each 20-credit module has an associated guide of 200 learning hours, some of which will be through contact hours and some directed study. Additionally, progression of your own knowledge and understanding will be done through reading, reflecting and applying your knowledge and skills to real world examples. By encouraging reflection, the course is designed to help you recognise your current knowledge and skills and to continuously build on this and identify new areas for study.

As part of the approach to supporting your independent study, the University has a central policy to develop an environment which is supportive and enabling and there are several resources to help with this. This includes access to staff who are professionally qualified in Human Factors and are Chartered (Chartered members of the CIEHF), library access, information technology, student guidance, study skills staff and module leaders.

Coaching and Supervision

Part of the role of our staff is to provide you with coaching and supervision, both in terms of understanding and achieving assessment expectations and as support during your MSc research project/dissertation.

Independent learning is central to all postgraduate level study and is critical for success on distance learning programmes. Each 20-credit module has an associated guide of 200 learning hours, some of which will be through contact hours and some directed study. Additionally, progression of your own knowledge and understanding will be done through reading, reflecting and applying your knowledge and skills to real world examples. By encouraging reflection, the course is designed to help you recognise your current knowledge and skills and to continuously build on this and identify new areas for study.

As part of the approach to supporting your independent study, the University has a central policy to develop an environment which is supportive and enabling and there are several resources to help with this. This includes access to staff who are professionally qualified in Human Factors and are Chartered (Chartered members of the CIEHF), library access, information technology, student guidance, study skills staff and module leaders.

Coaching and Supervision

Part of the role of our staff is to provide you with coaching and supervision, both in terms of understanding and achieving assessment expectations and as support during your MSc research project/dissertation.

Fees

For the course starting on 18 September 2023 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £8,460 per course £8,460 per course

For the course starting on 16 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands
Part-time To be confirmed

For the course starting on 25 September 2023 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £2,820 per course £2,820 per course

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands
Part-time To be confirmed

The expected study pattern on this programme enables you to complete modules totalling 60 credits in your first year of study and the other 120 credits, split equally over your second and third year of study. If you follow this pattern of study you will pay the same fee for each year of study. You will be invoiced for the modules that you register for each year, so if your study pattern is different from the expected pattern, you will pay more or less each year accordingly.

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Applications are not currently available for this course.

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

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