TY - JOUR T1 - Human factors and ergonomics and quality improvement science: integrating approaches for safety in healthcare JF - BMJ Quality & Safety JO - BMJ Qual Saf SP - 250 LP - 254 DO - 10.1136/bmjqs-2014-003623 VL - 24 IS - 4 AU - Sue Hignett AU - Emma Leanne Jones AU - Duncan Miller AU - Laurie Wolf AU - Chetna Modi AU - Muhammad Waseem Shahzad AU - Peter Buckle AU - Jaydip Banerjee AU - Ken Catchpole Y1 - 2015/04/01 UR - http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/24/4/250.abstract N2 - In this paper, we will address the important question of how quality improvement science (QIS) and human factors and ergonomics (HFE) can work together to produce safer solutions for healthcare. We suggest that there will be considerable advantages from an integrated approach between the two disciplines and professions which could be achieved in two phases. First, by identifying people trained in HFE and those trained in QIS who understand how to work together and second, by developing opportunities for integrated education and training. To develop this viewpoint we will: Discuss and explore how QIS and HFE could be integrated by building on existing definitions, scope of practice, knowledge, skills, methods, research and expertise in each discipline. Outline opportunities for a longer-term integration through training, and education for healthcare professionals. The disciplines and professions of QIS and HFE developed from similar origins in the 20th century to engage workers in the identification of problems and development of solutions.1 ,2 They diverged with QIS focussing more on process issues (eg, production quality control) and HFE focussing on wellbeing (occupational health and safety) and performance. Both have been used in healthcare for many years, with several recent papers discussing confusion about jargon in one or both disciplines.3–7 We will offer a simple outline of our perspectives for each before suggesting an approach for integrated working. We are using the term QIS to include both quality improvement and improvement science.8 QIS is used, defined and explained in the literature in many different ways, for example, ‘the degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge’;9 ‘better patient experience and outcomes achieved through changing provider behaviour and organisation through using a systematic change method and strategies’ … ER -