What is the relationship between human factors & ergonomics and quality improvement in healthcare?

© 2015 Taylor & Francis.A recent initiative in the National Health Service (NHS, UK) has led to an increased interest in Human Factors & Ergonomics (HFE). As part of initial discussions there have been questions about the similarities and differences between HFE and Quality Improvement (QI).We believe that there are considerable advantages from a more structured relationship between HFE and QI in healthcare and have comparatively mapped a range of dimensions (origins, drivers, philosophy, focus, role and methods). Our conclusion is that HFE in healthcare should use four criteria to maximise the benefits from this opportunity, including the use of HFE methods to design systems, environments, products etc. and the direct involvement of qualified (chartered) HFE professionals.