How to… complete a hierarchical task analysis

Abstract

The process of learning how to perform a clinical procedure in health care has been described as diffuse and uneven, and based on available opportunity. This ad-hoc approach to learning can lead to variability in task performance and negatively impact patient safety and quality of care. Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) is a method that can be used to establish a standard for completing a clinical procedure, which can be used for simulation-based education and assessment purposes. HTA provides a systematic and structured approach to deconstructing a clinical procedure into what the learner needs to do, in what order and the conditions that are required at each step. HTA is not commonly used in health care. However, it has great potential as a method to allow for the standardization of clinical procedures. The outputs of HTA can be used in simulation-based education for assessment and the validation of training and assessment.