Human factors tools
WHO Patient Safety is aiming to make human factors measurement tools
more accessible and easily identifiable for all who are doing patient safety
research. A range of tools are available here, split into four categories.
These links are provided for information only.
The World Health Organization (WHO) does not warrant that this information
is complete and correct, and shall not be liable whatsoever for any damages
incurred as a result of its use. WHO does not endorse the content of any tool
listed, any recommendations listed therein, nor any organization or
product mentioned.
For each category, the tools have been further divided into up to ten topic areas
as applicable:
- The safety culture of an organization can be defined as the product
of individual and group values, attitudes, perceptions, competencies and
patterns of behavior that determine the commitment to, and the style
and proficiency of, an organization’s health and safety management. - Managerial leadership can be defined as the process of influencing
people towards achievement of organizational goals. - Communication can be defined as the transfer of information, ideas,
or feelings. - Teamwork can be defined as a dynamic process involving two or
more people engaged in the activities necessary to complete a task. - Team leadership is defined by the team leader, who is the person
appointed, elected or informally chosen to direct and coordinate the
work of others in a group. - Situation awareness refers to an individual’s perception of the
elements in the environment within the volume of time and space, the
comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their status in the
near future. - Decision-making is the process of reaching a judgment or choosing an
option, sometimes called a course of action to meet the needs of a given
situation. - Stress is defined as the adverse reaction people have to excessive
pressure or other types of demand placed upon them. - Fatigue is defined as the state of tiredness that is associated with long
hours of work, prolonged periods without sleep, or requirements to work
at times that are out of sync with the body’s biological or circadian rhythm. - Work environment is defined as a set of circumstances or a situation
that could harm a person’s interest, such as their health or welfare.